Robert Saleh hire proves the Jets are in for the smart, long-term rebuild

With the hiring of Robert Saleh, the New York Jets are proving this time, the rebuild will be done right. 

When the Johnson family elected to hire Adam Gase in 2019, they believed he would be able to fix the New York Jets. As a coach who proved he can go to the playoffs, all that was needed was the right pieces around him.

Two years later, Gase is out of a job due to his own negligence. A 9-23 record, plus failing to cement the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had the Jets moving forward with a new candidate. Who would it be? Only time would tell.

Time has told, and New York should rejoice at the news.

According to multiple reports, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to become the next head coach for the Jets. The terms are expected to be a five-year deal that will keep Saleh in the Big Apple until 2026.

https://twitter.com/nyjets/status/1349919360668860417

Why is that number so important? Why would five years be something to keep an eye on?

The Johnsons are proving they are maturing in owning a franchise. An extensive deal like Saleh’s shows the rebuild will be done right under his direction.

Saleh’s hire show the Jets are in for getting things right

Saleh is well-regarded as one of the top names on the market. His revamp turnaround of the 49ers’ defense proves that when things are done right, they can achieve new levels of greatness.

Unlike Urban Meyer, who took over the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching position Thursday, the Jets understand where they stand. They play in the AFC East against Josh Allen and the red-hot Buffalo Bills. The New England Patriots still have Bill Belichick, and the Miami Dolphins might be the next breakout team if Tua Tagovailoa proves to be the answer under center.

Five years is an indication that the Jets will have to be bad to be good. However, with a similar gameplan to that of Kyle Shanahan, perhaps the same formula that worked out in the bay can work on the east coast.

Saleh is expected to bring on Mike LaFleur as his offensive coordinator. San Francisco was linked to potentially adding Sam Darnold to Shanahan’s offensive system. Could a disciple of the 49ers’ head coach be what it takes for the former No. 3 pick?

If that’s the case, New York would be in line to bring a massive overhaul of picks for the No. 2 selection in April. Add in $60-plus million to play with in free agency and the Jets could slowly improve each season until in the same category of their divisional foes.

Time will tell if Saleh will be the right choice. The good news is that time is on his side, meaning if you don’t succeed, try, try again.

With multiple years and multiple chances to get it right, the Jets are willing to learn from past mistakes to build a newfound culture that will last for years to come.