Robert Saleh laid out a clear vision for the future of the New York Jets in his first press conference with the team.
All gas, no brake
Directed at his new players in New York, Saleh established a mantra that will be the motto for his New York Jets: all gas, no brake.
Robert Saleh's mantra: "All gas, no brake." #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
Saleh elaborated that the quote has nothing to do with what happens on the field, but rather, “The process at which we do things.”
Robert Saleh's message to his players:
"Get used to the mantra 'All gas, no brake.' When we wake up in the morning, we will all step on the pedal and find a way to get somewhat better" pic.twitter.com/MOj6zU3IEf
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 21, 2021
Change in the reporting structure
Previously, the Jets have had their general manager and head coach on equal footing, both reporting to the owner. That’s changed. Now, GM Joe Douglas is the leader of the football operation, with Saleh under him.
The structure has changed. Joe Douglas is now the clear football boss. Robert Saleh reports to Douglas, and Douglas to Christopher Johnson.
It's more about Douglas than the structure itself. Quite revealing in many regards. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
Non-commitment to Sam Darnold
Saleh did not say too much that you wouldn’t expect regarding the status of Sam Darnold. He sung the praises of the former USC star, praising the respect Darnold has in the locker room and numerous aspects of his game on the field, but emphasized that it is far too early for him to say anything concrete about Darnold’s future with the team.
“To give you that answer right now would not be fair,” Saleh stated.
Robert Saleh decides to go the noncommital route with Sam Darnold's starting quarterback status. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
Robert Saleh on Sam Darnold:
"He's got an unbelievable arm talent, there's a reason why he was the #3 pick in the draft. He's tough as nails" pic.twitter.com/yB0UPZhMdt
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 21, 2021
Connection to the New York/New Jersey area
Saleh has a connection to the area through the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. His brother was in the South Tower at the time of the attack, but fortunately, he was able to escape safely. The tragedy had a deep effect on Saleh, prompting him to turn back to coaching.
Robert Saleh on ending up in New York with the Jets after his connection to 9/11:
"I'm supposed to be here, and I believe that." #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
Robert Saleh's brother was on the 61st floor of the South Tower on 9/11. He was able to exit safely, a seismic moment in the family's life. Saleh on coming to New York to coach:
"God does things for a reason, and I believe this is one of them" pic.twitter.com/b3FkMnNUQ0
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 21, 2021
Play-calling, coordinator hires
Saleh will not be calling the defensive plays on gameday. That responsibility will belong to Jeff Ulbrich, the team’s new defensive coordinator.
Robert Saleh says he won't be calling the defensive plays. Not a shock at all. #TakeFlight
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
We've hired Jeff Ulbrich as our defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/06la3Txo1R
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 21, 2021
Ulbrich was with the Falcons from 2015-20. From 2015-19, he was Atlanta’s linebackers coach, helping to develop second-round pick Deion Jones into one of the game’s best linebackers.
In 2020, Ulbrich served as assistant head coach and linebackers coach. When Dan Quinn was fired after an 0-5 start, Ulbrich was promoted to defensive coordinator under interim head coach Raheem Morris over the team’s final 11 games.
The Falcons finished 14th in defensive DVOA. After allowing 32.0 points per game over five games under Quinn, they allowed just 23.0 points per game over 11 games under Ulbrich.
As expected, Mike LaFleur will be the team’s offensive coordinator.
We've hired Mike LaFleur as our offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/6dLaBjOAsI
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 21, 2021
HC: Robert Saleh
OC: Mike LaFleur (play-caller)
DC: Jeff Ulbrich (play-caller)#TakeFlight— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 21, 2021
With Ulbrich calling defensive plays, the Jets will have a head coach that does not call the plays for the first time since Herman Edwards.
It’s a major changing of the guard after running through four one-sided head coaches in Adam Gase, Todd Bowles, Rex Ryan and Eric Mangini. The Jets have what they needed: a “CEO” style of coach who will focus on running the entire ship, not just one part of it.
Feeling at home in the Jets organization
Saleh continuously reiterated how comfortable he felt around Jets brass.
“It just felt like home, it felt like I was back home talking to my high school friends,” he stated regarding his interactions with Christopher Johnson, Joe Douglas and team president Hymie Elhai.
Robert Saleh on joining the Jets:
"There's no doubt this is home, it felt like home" pic.twitter.com/8xEMVphkBl
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 21, 2021
Valuing personal relationships
Saleh clearly has an extremely strong feel for building quality one-on-one relationships. Building connections is undoubtedly a massive priority of his, and he has a natural feel for how to create and maintain them.
"Everybody says this is a business – it's not. It's a personal investment to people. The most important people are the ones that strap up on gameday and step between the lines."
– Robert Saleh on his responsibility as a head coach pic.twitter.com/LRFuoSZirX
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 21, 2021
The days of questionable leadership in Florham Park are over. There is a gifted, natural-born leader spearheading this football team.
I did some analysis on the guy when he was the Falcons DC.
11 games – 253 points given up
253 points – garbage time points and short field turnover points= 225 points which is 20.5 points given per game.
Opponents – Tampa Bay (twice), New Orleans (twice), Kansas City, Minnesota, LA Chargers, LV Raiders, Lions, and Broncos
Good stuff, and that’s an extremely tough schedule too. That defense played very well after Ulbrich took over as the DC.
Chris Johnson might be a human robot but he has to get props here for letting Joe do his job… He could of done the KHAN thing and took control of the roster and personal but he did the RIGHT THING and let the football guys do what they are paid to do. This is how you get a good working place.
Saleh seems like a family, culture, x and o’s and mentor type of guy. He might not been my first choice for coach but he showed Leadership and showed me he is a football guy which something that’s been missing from the HC spot since Parcells left… Rex Ryan was a pretend general with 2 AFC Championships trips with Manginis roster.
I would like to see if the Jets can get Watson on a discount