With Liam Coen out of the running, is Robert Saleh the new favorite to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ next head coach?
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, “many around the league” view Saleh as the potential favorite to be the Jaguars’ new head coach.
Schultz would also add that it wouldn’t be surprising if the Jaguars expanded their head coaching search as well. One name to watch in that regard is Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Saleh is scheduled to interview for the Jaguars’ head coaching opening on Friday. On Thursday, Raiders’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will interview for the role as well.
Saleh was, of course, the New York Jets head coach from 2021-2024 and was fired early on in this most recent season.
During his tenure, Saleh couldn’t overcome inconsistent quarterback play and finished his coaching career 20-36 with no playoff appearances.
However, the Jets’ defenses under Saleh, which is the side of the ball he coaches, were often among the most disruptive and stingiest with him at the helm. The fact that the Jaguars already have Trevor Lawrence would also provide Saleh with that missing stability at the quarterback position.
In terms of what Lawrence is looking for in a head coach, it’s less about whether he has a background as an offensive or defensive play-caller and more so about bringing in the right leader and a culture setter.
“There’s a lot of things,” said Lawrence about what he wants in a head coach. “But just as far as a leader, you want the right guy that’s going to be the right leader and voice for your team and set that culture.
