Examining how close the New York Jets and Robert Saleh are to a deal

Some think it’s already a done deal. Others do not. Today, we examine how close the New York Jets and Robert Saleh might be to a deal.

Just in case you decided to sleep all day Tuesday, let’s roll through the latest on the New York Jets head-coaching search front. Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley interviewed Sunday, and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and New Orleans Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn took their turns Monday, upping the total interview count to nine.

On Tuesday, however, the day you decided to lounge around in your comfortable bed, one name emerged beyond the crowd. Robert Saleh was brought back for a second round of interviews, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

As the #Jets narrow their list of head coaching candidates, they are flying in #49ers DC Robert Saleh for a second interview today, per me and @MikeGarafolo. The first known finalist for the NYJ job, and there will be others likely in person, as well.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2021

While he’s also received interest from other teams, the Jets are the first to meet him in-person.

Robert Saleh has been in demand, interviewing with the #Lions, #Jaguars, #Falcons and #Chargers. The #Jets become the first team to bring him in to the building. A significant step for a top candidate. NYJ isn’t done, though, and they are expected to bring in other candidates. https://t.co/zCkoDlOFXI

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2021

At this point, the rumors are running rampant. Some say it’s a done deal, while others are telling Jets fandom to hold those horses. A few notorious “look at me” individuals are throwing out careless reports as if accuracy doesn’t matter a bit in this world called journalism. (Many would argue we’ve reached that speed-over-accuracy point of no return in today’s digital sports media world, but I digress.)

Exactly how should Jets fans view the current situation?

Saleh must view viewed as one of the favorites

As the lone candidate to enter the Atlantic Health Training Facility, Saleh must be viewed as one of the favorites—not the favorite. And the reason for that might fly a bit under the radar.