Add the Jets to the list of teams that will interview Saleh

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the New York Jets have set up a head coaching interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The only team with a head coaching vacancy that hasn’t either set up or already interviewed Saleh are the Houston Texans.

There’s no doubt that Saleh is one of the hottest names on the market. With a healthy roster in 2019, the 49ers' defense had a historically good pass defense. In 2020, with a makeshift defensive line and a secondary that seemed to have a different starter each week, the Niners finished in the top-10 in several defensive categories. From Saleh’s energy to his preparation to his leadership, he’s bound to make an excellent head coach.

It’s more interesting to discuss who Saleh will bring with him. Mike McDaniels? Mike LaFleur? Adam Peters? Does he have a list of names that we’re not bringing up? When Saleh interviewed for the Browns head coaching vacancy last season, his GM list was Ed Dodds, Trent Kirchner, and Scott Fitterer, three guys he worked with during his time in Seattle. The current Seahawks GM, John Schneider, still has one year left on his deal, but Saleh worked with him in Seattle, too.

The 49ers have also parted ways with Katie Sowers, per Cam Inman of The Mercury News. Sowers was the first full-time female and openly gay coach in the NFL. Sowers had previously worked with the wide receivers and helped the quarterbacks at practice in recent weeks.