NFL Insider: Robert Saleh HC Buzz Shows People in NFL Feel He Was Hampered by Jets

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has generated plenty of interest throughout the current hiring cycle, leading to a belief that he was held back by his old team.

"That he's drawing interest after compiling a 20-36 record shows that people around the league recognize that he was hampered in New York by some tough circumstances," ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Sunday.

Saleh was fired by the Jets after Week 5 of the 2024 season with the team sitting at 2-3. New York wound up losing nine of its next 12 games following the move, ending the year at 5-12 and missing the playoffs for a 14th consecutive season.

Cimini noted that Saleh has head-coaching interviews lined up with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders. He's also met with the San Francisco 49ers regarding the team's defensive coordinator position, a role that he previously held in San Francisco from 2017-20.

The Jets' struggles on defense following Saleh's departure were apparent. New York allowed 17.0 points throughout in its first five games before giving up 26.6 points each week after making the change at head coach.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Nov. 18 that Saleh's firing wasn't received well in the Jets' locker room, with players wondering how the move was supposed to immediately help the team.

Despite New York's decision to cut ties with him before the middle of the 2024 season, Saleh shouldn't have an issue finding a new job as his coaching ability is still respected around the league.