Kyle Shanahan says Robert Saleh 'got a raw deal' during time with Jets
Kyle Shanahan was happy to see Robert Saleh get a second chance at being an NFL head coach.
Kyle Shanahan wasn't happy to see Robert Saleh leave again, but the San Francisco 49ers head coach was happy to see his defensive coordinator get another shot to lead a team. Shanahan told reporters at the NFL owners' meeting in Phoenix this week that Saleh "got a raw deal the first time" he was a head coach when he was with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. "I was real happy for Robert," Shanahan said.
"Robert deserves to be a head coach ā he is one of the better coaches in this league. I thought he got a raw deal the first time. " From the NFL owners meetings: @49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on @Titans HC Robert Saleh.
pic. twitter. com/A9r7gp5nW8 ā Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 30, 2026 Saleh was the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 before taking over as the Jets' head coach.
Saleh's time in New York was marred by the drafting of quarterback Zach Wilson with the No. 2 pick in 2021 as well as Aaron Rodgers' arrival and swift departure. Saleh was fired after five games in 2024.