Twitter went into a frenzy when the New York Jets announced they had finalized a deal with former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Niners cornerback Richard Sherman, as well as San Francisco great Joe Staley were some of the first NFL personalities to share their thoughts on this recent development.
Sherman, who has spent the past few years playing under Saleh in San Francisco, congratulated the Jets on what he believes to be an excellent hire for them:
The @nyjets got a great one! Congrats to them!
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 15, 2021
Staley, who spent his entire career with the 49ers, had nothing but praise for Saleh upon learning he was the new Jets coach:
I am so damn excited for Saleh. He is a leader. Unbelievable man and coach. Can’t wait to watch him turn around the Jets organization!
— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) January 15, 2021
Here are a few other noteworthy reactions to the Jets’ hire from Twitter (h/t ESPN):
Imagine being a @jets fan, going to bed early (I imagine most of them do) + waking up incredibly competent.
— hydrated king chris long (@JOEL9ONE) January 15, 2021
Last year I had to survey a dozen+ players that played for Coach Saleh on behalf of an organization.
I don’t know if I’ve ever heard players go to bat for a coach the way EVERY SINGLE ONE of them did for Saleh.
Congrats to the Jets
— Hawk (@Hawk) January 15, 2021
Good for you Jets. This just feels right. #RealLeadership https://t.co/wzQEnGZxEf
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 15, 2021
Great leader, great man, great coach, and great hire ✊🏾 https://t.co/VPfZOxJrqL
— Dexter McCoil Sr. (@26Int_Hit) January 15, 2021
First time in quite some time that I’ve felt the #Jets are really on the right path
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 15, 2021
A couple of Jets players also couldn’t hide their excitement in what is going to be a new era in New York:
YESSSS SIRRRRR!!!!! LETS WORK COACH!!!!! https://t.co/FnhHDOCjTZ pic.twitter.com/JrNZpwqiBf
— Trending Topic 🤫 (@BigTicket73) January 15, 2021
YESSS SIRRRRRRRRRR 🙏🏾💪🏾🔥 https://t.co/lEJcWsbHOY
— Quinnen Williams (@QuinnenWilliams) January 15, 2021
The Jets have been on an extended postseason drought, which now extends to a full decade. The excitement surrounding Saleh is warranted, and the general belief is that he is the man who’s going to be taking New York back to the promised land. There’s going to be a ton of pressure on his shoulders, but it’s hard to deny that Saleh should be more than capable of meeting the lofty expectations most have on him.
Reports state that the deal has currently been agreed in principle and that Saleh will be penning a five-year deal with New York. It’s been a long time since the Jets faithful has had something to get excited about, but this is certainly something to write home about.
The Jets have watched the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins improve significantly in the AFC East this past season. The New England Patriots might have faltered, but the Jets are still at the bottom of their division and need a way to climb out of trouble. Robert Saleh is taking on one of the toughest tasks in the NFL, but if you ask 49ers players about him, they’ll vouch for his credentials.
