The New York Jets have a new coach in Robert Saleh, and based on immediate social media reaction, there appears to be a sigh of relief on behalf of a franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs in a decade.
The former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator reached an agreement Thursday night in principle to become the next Jets head coach. The agreement is for five years, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Saleh, 41, who interviewed virtually last Friday, established himself as the Jets' front-runner and maintained that position over the past week.
San Francisco veteran cornerback Richard Sherman was among the first NFL players to react on social media, congratulating the Jets on landing a "great one" in Saleh as a coach. And current Jets players Quinnen Williams and Mekhi Becton posted their excitement.
Here's more from around the NFL world:
The @nyjets got a great one! Congrats to them!
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 15, 2021
YESSSS SIRRRRR!!!!! LETS WORK COACH!!!!! https://t.co/FnhHDOCjTZ pic.twitter.com/JrNZpwqiBf
— Trending Topic 🤫 (@BigTicket73) January 15, 2021
Imagine being a @jets fan, going to bed early (I imagine most of them do) + waking up incredibly competent.
— hydrated king chris long (@JOEL9ONE) January 15, 2021
Of course, there will be additional fallout here in addition to LaFleur joining Saleh. Other assistants could also be on the move and, armed with plenty of cap space this offseason, wouldn't be a surprise to see Jets pursue some of #49ers' many free agents.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 15, 2021
Things heated up with Saleh this afternoon. What the #Jets liked about him: Clear plan, demonstrated leadership traits and developed a rapport with Douglas, Johnson and Elhai. Unclear if Jets will change their organizational structure.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 15, 2021
YESSS SIRRRRRRRRRR 🙏🏾💪🏾🔥 https://t.co/lEJcWsbHOY
— Quinnen Williams (@QuinnenWilliams) January 15, 2021
Good for you Jets. This just feels right. #RealLeadership https://t.co/wzQEnGZxEf
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 15, 2021
Last year I had to survey a dozen+ players that played for Coach Saleh on behalf of an organization.
— Hawk (@Hawk) January 15, 2021
I don't know if I've ever heard players go to bat for a coach the way EVERY SINGLE ONE of them did for Saleh.
Congrats to the Jets
I am so damn excited for Saleh. He is a leader. Unbelievable man and coach. Can't wait to watch him turn around the Jets organization!
— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) January 15, 2021
First time in quite some time that I've felt the #Jets are really on the right path
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 15, 2021
The Jets & Robert Saleh agree to a 5-year deal for him to become their next head coach.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 15, 2021
The 49ers defense ranked in the Top 10 in yards per game, 3rd down pct, and defensive efficiency since Saleh became the 49ers defensive coordinator in 2017. pic.twitter.com/EFhs53GG4F
A new era in Florham Park... #jets pic.twitter.com/BoPA9ANpCo
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) January 15, 2021
🐐 https://t.co/0Ef4XSrs4Y pic.twitter.com/qw5or29ZwW
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 15, 2021
Great leader, great man, great coach, and great hire ✊🏾 https://t.co/VPfZOxJrqL
— Dexter McCoil Sr. (@26Int_Hit) January 15, 2021
Here's a glimpse of the philosophies and perspectives of the Jets' new HC Robert Saleh from just over one month ago:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2021
🎧 https://t.co/UnOpNtcbJ0
I like this move! #JetsTwitter how you feelin? https://t.co/YLV7cW3mVa
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) January 15, 2021
Exceptional hire...may turn out to be the best hire of this cycle:
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) January 15, 2021
-Passionate leader of men
-Great X's & O's
-Broad NFL experience will allow him to hire an excellent staff
-Shanahan connection should allow him to hire a terrific offensive mind with a cutting edge offense https://t.co/d5qUWb5AWG
Love the hire for the @nyjets
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 15, 2021
Such a great listener and communicator. Thrived in adversity. Bringing an offensive scheme with him thats as hot as any in the NFL. Absolutely lights out hire https://t.co/eBg7uaPKjc