Kyle Shanahan indirectly criticizes Robert Saleh and the New York Jets.

 

Three days after the San Francisco 49ers lost Super Bowl LVIII, their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, addressed the media on Wednesday. He shared that the team is parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

During the discussion, Shanahan brought up Robert Saleh, his former defensive coordinator with the 49ers who is now the head coach of the New York Jets. According to 49ers reporter Rob Guerrera, Shanahan mentioned that he isn't necessarily looking for another highly energetic defensive coordinator, a trait Saleh was known for during his time with the 49ers. Shanahan even remarked, "Watch Saleh now, he’s not that energetic."

It's evident that Shanahan has noticed the Jets' struggles and is emphasizing the importance of winning above all else. He seems to imply that it's challenging to maintain high energy when your team isn't winning games.

During Saleh's tenure with the 49ers, he gained a reputation as one of the most enthusiastic coaches in the NFL. His sideline antics, including passionate screams and celebratory gestures with players, were a common sight.

While Saleh still brings plenty of energy to the sidelines as the Jets’ head coach – you’ll occasionally catch glimpses of it – it seems like his overall enthusiasm has toned down a bit since his days in San Francisco (at least from what he displays publicly).

But who can blame him? The Jets aren’t winning. Over three years, that's bound to wear on anyone. If the team starts stringing together some wins, we might see that classic Saleh energy make a comeback.

Of course, whether the Jets start racking up wins largely falls on Saleh himself. In San Francisco, it was easier for him to be energetic on the sidelines, focusing mainly on one aspect of the game. But as head coach, he's got to oversee the whole operation, keeping an eye on all three phases of play. It’s a whole different ballgame.

So far, Saleh hasn't quite hit his stride, but he'll have another shot at it in 2024. He’ll be hoping for a turnaround akin to Shanahan's with the 49ers. Shanahan struggled in his first couple of seasons before finding success in his third, reaching the Super Bowl.

Saleh's third season didn't pan out as hoped, especially with Aaron Rodgers sidelined. Team owner Woody Johnson seems willing to give Saleh a pass for 2023, considering 2024 as his true third season.

With Rodgers (hopefully) back in action in 2024, the aim is for Saleh to follow in Shanahan’s footsteps as a young coach who overcame early setbacks to find success.