The New York Jets face-to-face second interview with Robert Saleh continues on Wednesday with chairman Christopher Johnson.
On Tuesday, the New York Jets brought Robert Saleh back for a second interview. But this time, the meeting would take on a much different feel.
The second interview took place at the Atlantic Health Training Facility. Instead of a second virtual interview (Zoom call), Saleh greeted Joe Douglas and much of the Jets brass face to face.
From @GMFB: The #Jets are still meeting with #49ers DC Robert Saleh this morning, as he’s a favorite in their coaching search, while the #Eagles will interview #Patriots ILBs coach Jerod Mayo for their HC opening. They used to call him Jerod Belichick in NE. pic.twitter.com/lf71HMmmuB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2021
“(Saleh) had meetings with Jets brass yesterday, and those meetings continue this morning with some big meetings, including with the owner, Christopher Johnson of the New York Jets,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Good Morning Football Wednesday morning. “Those things are going to continue this morning.”
Saleh, 41, is now the odds-on favorite to become the Jets’ next head coach. He’s the only candidate of the nine who interviewed to be invited to the facility and/or for a second interview.
Considering the world’s current pandemic landscape, it’s possible the Jets aren’t done. Perhaps they’re waiting for a playoff team to get bounced before they can bring in another candidate for a face-to-face look.
However, all present indications are pointing to a Jets-Saleh marriage in the making.
“The plan is to bring in, potentially, other candidates for second interviews,” Rapoport added. “As far as I can tell, no interviews are as of yet scheduled, which means Robert Saleh, if he is not the favorite for the Jets job, is certainly a favorite.”
Saleh has been the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator since 2017. His defense finished second in total yards against in 2019 and fifth in 2020 in spite of an incredible number of injuries.
Whether or not Wednesday will mark the first time Johnson meets with Saleh isn’t completely known. Saleh has been in the area since Tuesday. Either way, Johnson’s potential inclusion or second day with Saleh at this stage speaks volumes about how Douglas and the Jets feel about him as a head-coaching candidate.
Other already-interviewed candidates include Eric Bieniemy, Marvin Lewis, Joe Brady, Matt Eberflus, Brian Daboll, Brandon Staley, Arthur Smith and Aaron Glenn. Patrick Graham’s interview quest was denied, as the New York Giants locked him up to an extension.
