Jan. 30, 2026, 11:45 a.m. ET
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was introduced as the Tennessee Titans‘ new head coach on Thursday. Saleh is receiving a second opportunity to lead a franchise despite compiling a record of 20-36 in East Rutherford.
During his introductory press conference, Saleh discussed some of his regrets and learning experiences with the Jets.
Saleh explained that he plans to call defensive plays with the Titans. That’s a departure from how he handled responsibilities with the Jets. “I felt like I was the timeout and red flag [challenge] guy,” Saleh told local Titans reporters.
Despite being a play-calling defensive coordinator when the Jets hired him, Saleh opted not to call plays, deciding to focus on in-game management. He hired Jeff Ulbrich to be his d-coordinator and defensive play caller, and he coached alongside Saleh until the latter’s 2024 midseason firing. Ulbrich then assumed interim head coaching duties.
The Jets’ defense was mostly terrific throughout the Saleh and Ulbrich era. It was the offense that never got figured out under various offensive coordinators. Ironically, Saleh wasn’t a terrific in-game management coach despite not calling plays.
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The Jets’ defense was mostly terrific throughout the Saleh and Ulbrich era. It was the offense that never got figured out under various offensive coordinators. Ironically, Saleh wasn’t a terrific in-game management coach despite not calling plays.
Saleh at times looked disconnected and calling plays could help him rediscover his energy in Tennessee.
Saleh clearly has regrets over his tenure as head coach in New York. Jets fans will undeniably monitor his progress with the Titans.