Robert Saleh Watch 2021 continues. The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator continues to meet in-person with the New York Jets, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes the writing is on the wall for the assistant to become the team's next head coach (h/t to Patrick Tulini).
Rapoport joined NFL Network this morning and reported that Saleh remains "in the building" meeting with Jets owner Christopher Johnson and others.
"The fact that Robert Saleh was the first to fly into [the New York area to meet with the] Jets," Rapoport said, "the fact that, as to my knowledge, they do not have anyone else right now, currently scheduled to fly in for a second interview, that I know of, he has not left the building yet, this all seems like it is headed in the right direction of Robert Saleh being the next head coach.
"It has not been official, but that's the way it seems to go if you read the tea leaves. And if this hire happens for the Jets, obviously, it would be the first head coach hire made. It would be a massive hire, and one of the hot candidates would off the board and headed to New York."
From NFL Now: The #Jets continue their courtship of #49ers DC Robert Saleh. pic.twitter.com/YisX9hIj1A
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2021
This is Saleh's first in-person interview for a head-coaching job since the end of the season. He previously met virtually with the Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers. The Philadelphia Eagles have also requested an interview but may not get to that point if the Jets don't allow him to leave without an agreement.
It certainly sounds like the 49ers are on the cusp of losing their talented defensive coordinator.