Robert Saleh is glad to be away from not less than one a part of head teaching obligation.
The previous Jets coach, now again in his outdated digs as defensive coordinator of the 49ers, informed reporters Thursday that he’s glad “not to deal with all the administrative stuff that comes with being a head coach” and might now concentrate on teaching soccer.
“The perspective, and that’s what was exciting about coming back. Just being in a building where I was once a coordinator and now having a global view,” Saleh stated. “There’s a lot of empathy now understanding what [49ers coach] Kyle [Shanahan’s] going through and trying to help him out best I can.”
Saleh, who went 20-36 over three-plus seasons with the Jets earlier than being fired after a 2-3 begin final season, stated there was no temptation to go anyplace however San Francisco, the place he was defensive coordinator for 4 seasons earlier than taking the Jets job.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for this organization. Obviously starting at the top, [owner] Jed [York] is phenomenal. But Kyle, his family, [GM] John [Lynch], they gave me so much,” Saleh stated.
“During the first two years, you think about those first two years as D coordinator, ’17 and ’18, it wasn’t easy. And it could’ve been very easy for them to move on from me. I’m indebted to this organization, those me for the rest of my life. They stuck with me, made it happen, did what we needed to do and the rest is history. I’m excited about the opportunity to get a chance to do it again.”
Saleh’s protection helped lead the 49ers to a Tremendous Bowl look in 2020 earlier than he was employed in New York. His Jets tenure, nevertheless, by no means fairly obtained on observe.
For the primary two years, the membership struggled to try to develop Zach Wilson earlier than lastly showing to maneuver on when it introduced in Aaron Rodgers in 2023.
That experiment, although, turned out to be an unmitigated catastrophe. Rodgers tore his Achilles in his first look with the Jets, and when wholesome final season, appeared extra like a 40-plus-year-old quarterback than a former MVP.
Fixed off-field distractions dotted the quarterback’s time in New York as nicely, and Saleh was unceremoniously fired after the Jets dropped their Week 5 recreation in London in opposition to Minnesota.
“You learn a lot. I’ve said it before, there is no handbook for a first-time head coach, there’s no handbook for first time going through life,” Saleh stated. “You study lots by way of the method, you determine lots about your self, you perceive and decide up for those who look inward and searching the mirror, you may establish a few of the belongings you did mistaken, a few of the belongings you love to do otherwise.
“Anytime you get an experience that’s different than the ones you’ve always experienced, you have an opportunity to grow. So there’s been a lot of self reflection and growth in that regard.”
