Robert Saleh Lands Titans Head Coaching Job After Jets Exit: A Fresh Start or Familiar Story?
Robert Saleh didn’t stay on the market for long. Just weeks after being let go by the New York Jets, the former head coach has landed a new gig - and it’s a big one. Saleh has agreed to a five-year deal to become the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans, signaling a fresh chapter for both him and a franchise looking to turn the page.
For Saleh, this is a second chance - and a pretty intriguing one at that. The Titans, despite their recent struggles, offer a few key ingredients that could help him succeed: a young quarterback in Cam Ward to develop, a clean cap sheet with room to build, and a fanbase hungry for a new identity. It’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and Saleh clearly made a strong impression during the interview process.
A Quick Turnaround After a Tough Run in New York
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Saleh’s time with the Jets was anything but smooth. He wrapped up his stint in New York with a 20-36 record over three and a half seasons.
The team was plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and offensive dysfunction that never really got on track. While the defense showed flashes - and Saleh’s roots as a defensive coordinator were evident - the offense remained a revolving door of problems.
Some of the issues weren’t entirely on him. He didn’t draft Zach Wilson, and he wasn’t the one pulling the trigger on every roster move.
But Saleh did make some head-scratching decisions, including sticking with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett despite glaring struggles. In the end, the lack of progress - especially on the offensive side - made it tough to justify keeping him around.
Still, the league didn’t forget what Saleh accomplished before New York. His work with the San Francisco 49ers’ defense, especially during their playoff run, left a lasting impression. That reputation helped him land this new opportunity in Tennessee, and it’s clear the Titans believe he can bring that same fire and structure to their locker room.
The Titans’ Rebuild: A Tall Task, But Not Impossible
Tennessee isn’t exactly walking into a ready-made contender. The offensive line is in rough shape, the receiving corps lacks firepower, and the defense has been leaky. But this isn’t a hopeless situation.
Saleh has a chance to do what he does best - build a physical, disciplined defense - and if he can pair that with the right offensive coordinator, things could get interesting. Cam Ward is a project, but he’s also a talent. If Saleh can find the right voice to guide the young quarterback and stabilize the offense, the Titans could start trending in the right direction.
That’s a big “if,” though. We’ve seen this story before: defensive-minded head coach struggles to find the right offensive staff, and the team flounders. Saleh’s challenge will be proving he learned from his time in New York - that he can delegate, make the right hires, and manage the game from a head coach’s perspective, not just through a defensive lens.
What It Means for the Jets
Naturally, Jets fans are watching this move closely. There’s always that lingering fear that a former coach will go elsewhere and suddenly figure it all out. If Saleh turns things around in Tennessee, the jokes will fly - and the Jets, once again, will be the punchline.
But it’s far too early to jump to conclusions. Saleh hasn’t coached a game in Nashville yet.
And while he may have a fresh start, he’s also inheriting a roster with plenty of holes. Success isn’t guaranteed, and a new zip code doesn’t automatically fix old problems.
Still, it’s a fascinating situation. Saleh has a chance to rewrite his narrative. Whether he does that or confirms the doubts that followed him out of New York - that remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure: the NFL doesn’t waste time. And neither does Robert Saleh.