NFL analyst “could see” Robert Saleh getting axed before Halloween
Robert Saleh's career has hit peak after peak over the last half-decade. Once a defensive coordinator for Kyle Shanahan, Saleh coached in a Super Bowl and landed a head coaching gig not long after that. However, according to one analyst, the tide appears to be turning against the Jets head coach.
Speaking on an August 15 edition of "Get Up," NFL analyst Mike Greenberg claimed that while the Jets could win 12 games, they could also be head coach-less before the first leaves fall.
"The realistic outcomes for the Jets is wide like a chasm," Greenberg said. "If you told me they're going to be in the playoffs, Looking good, win 11, 12 games, I'd say 'yeah, I could see that happening.' If you told me Robert Saleh was fired by Halloween, I could say, 'yeah, I could see that happening.'" [05:46:06:03][17.6] Get Up
Last year, most believed that the Jets were at least playoff-bound, but it ended up being another surprise. Zach Wilson-led season concluded around Thanksgiving. This year, Greenberg is now open to the idea of a disastrous season that would end in Saleh's exit.
However, firing staff before Halloween is a lever teams rarely pull when trying to improve their franchise.
Who's the potential candidate to replace Robert Saleh if Mike Greenberg's prediction comes true?
The first piece of business in deciding to move on from Saleh would be to choose a coach to replace him in the short term. Usually, teams prefer to go with an experienced option over a brand-new name. As such, there is one well-known name sitting quietly in the background with a resume built for a situation like this.
Nathaniel Hackett served as the Denver Broncos' head coach in 2022, alongside Russell Wilson. Wilson, of course, didn't pan out with the team, even with Sean Payton in tow.
While Hackett might not be the long-term solution with the New York Jets, it could be the quickest and smoothest immediate transition for the franchise.
It also would allow Hackett to prove that he was dragged down by working with Wilson and could be a solid coach with the correct quarterback, including Aaron Rodgers.
Will the Jets need to even consider moving on from Robert Saleh and if so, would they look in-house or outside the box?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.