In a stunning turn of events, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has been named the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. This move comes after a whirlwind coaching journey that saw Saleh return to the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive coordinator before quickly making the leap to a head coaching role once again. The decision has sent shockwaves through the NFL, with both Jets owner Woody Johnson and 49ers owner Jed York reacting to the unexpected news.
A Tumultuous Coaching Journey
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets came to an abrupt end in October 2024 after a rocky 2-3 start to the season. Despite his defensive prowess, the team struggled to find consistency, prompting Johnson to part ways with him in hopes of bringing in new leadership. Following his dismissal, Saleh was quickly scooped up by the 49ers in January 2025 to serve as their defensive coordinator, returning to a franchise where he had previously built a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds.
However, his stint with San Francisco proved to be short-lived. The Denver Broncos, who had been searching for a strong leader to turn around their struggling franchise, made an aggressive move to secure Saleh as their new head coach. This quick transition from defensive coordinator to head coach caught many by surprise, including 49ers owner Jed York, who had high hopes for Saleh’s impact on their defense.
Reactions from Woody Johnson and Jed York
Jets owner Woody Johnson, who had previously defended his decision to move on from Saleh, was reportedly shocked by how quickly his former coach landed another head coaching job. In a statement, Johnson acknowledged Saleh’s talents but maintained that the Jets needed a change. “Robert is a great coach and a great leader, but at the time, we believed a new direction was necessary for the team. I wish him all the best in Denver,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, 49ers owner Jed York expressed disappointment at Saleh’s sudden departure. “We were excited to have Robert back as part of our coaching staff. His defensive expertise is well known, and we believed he could help us make another deep playoff run. While we respect his decision, it’s unfortunate to lose such a valuable coach so quickly,” York stated.
Fan Reactions and the Future of the Broncos
NFL fans have taken to social media to express their opinions on the surprising coaching change. Many Jets fans are left wondering if the team made a mistake in letting Saleh go, while 49ers fans are frustrated that he didn’t stay long enough to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Broncos fans are cautiously optimistic about the hire, hoping that Saleh can bring his defensive mastery to a team that has struggled in recent seasons.
For Denver, the move signals a commitment to rebuilding their team with a defensive-minded approach. Saleh’s ability to develop players and create dominant defensive units was evident during his time with the 49ers, and the Broncos are banking on him to replicate that success in the Mile High City.