Saleh’s second interview with the Jets is complete; he’s headed to Philly to interview

The New York Jets announced that they’d completed their second interview with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Saleh arrived in New Jersey Tuesday evening.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said there’s a “very good chance” that the two sides come to an agreement. Rap Sheet added that the Jets don’t have any current plans of flying in another head coaching candidate and that he spent all of Wednesday morning at the Jets facility.

Some are in the mindset that if you let “your” guy leave the building, you’re running the risk that he signs somewhere else. That’s normally applied during free agency, but the same goes with New York and Saleh, and any other coaching situation. Just because a deal hasn’t been announced yet doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened or isn’t about to happen.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini covers the Jets and said the team is expected to bring in other candidates for second in-person interviews. The Jets hold all of the cards here, and if they want to be patient—I would too after my previous hire—then they should. There could be some scheduling conflicts as well, with so many viable coaching options still in the playoffs.

Akash and I debated whether we wanted Saleh to go to New York on Wednesday’s ‘The Shanaplan’ episode. Initially, I thought no because it’s the Jets, and their roster is below average, plus you never hear anything positive about their ownership.

Then, I realized Saleh saw John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan build an organization from the ground up first hand. Add in the Jets' current draft position, how much cap space they have, and playing in the AFC East helped change my tune. Plus, Saleh saw the types of personalities it takes to help change the culture of a franchise. If anything, Saleh is the perfect candidate to turn the Jets around.

Rapoport also added that Saleh is on his way to Philadelphia to interview for the Eagles head coaching vacancy. Will New York regret letting Saleh leave the building? We shall find out.