Jets pick 49ers’ Saleh as next head coach
NEW YORK — The New York Jets reached an agreement in principle with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on Thursday night to hire him as their head coach.
Saleh replaces Adam Gase, who was fired Jan. 3 after going 9-23 in two seasons.
The 41-year-old Saleh emerged as the favorite for the Jets job when he was brought in for a second — and this time, in-person — interview Tuesday night, and those discussions extended into Wednesday. He was the first of the nine known candidates New York interviewed remotely to meet with chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson, team president Hymie Elhai and general manager Joe Douglas at its facility in Florham Park, N.J.
Saleh, a popular candidate among teams looking for a new coach, left to meet with Philadelphia. And the Jets also had an in-person meeting with Tennessee offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. After Smith left without a deal, New York had internal discussions and opted to hire Saleh.
Saleh, recognized as an energetic leader who is well liked by his players, had been the 49ers’ defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan since 2017, overseeing a defense that ranked No. 2 overall on the way to the Super Bowl last season.
Rams’ Holmes hired as Lions’ next GM
The Detroit Lions agreed to terms with Brad Holmes to be their general manager.
Holmes led the Rams’ college scouting department for eight years and started his 18-year career with them as a public relations intern in 2003.
To replace Bob Quinn, who was fired along with coach Matt Patricia in November, the Lions interviewed many candidates, including former Texans GM Rick Smith.
Seahawks’ Fitterer named Panthers GM
The Panthers have hired Seattle Seahawks vice president of football operations Scott Fitterer to become their new general manager. The team said Fitterer agreed to a five-year contract late Thursday night after being offered earlier in the day.
Fitterer replaces longtime GM Marty Hurney, who was fired in December.
Steelers part ways with OC, 2 assistants
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff flameout cost offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and two assistants their jobs.
The team announced it would not renew the contracts of Fichtner, offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett, and secondary coach Tom Bradley following a 48-37 loss to Cleveland on Sunday night. The club also said tight ends coach James Daniels is retiring after 17 seasons in that position.
Pittsburgh averaged 29.8 points during its first 10 games and just 22.1 over its final seven, numbers boosted a bit by Covid-19-ravaged Cleveland going to a prevent defense after taking a four-touchdown lead.
Odds and ends
QB Jared Goff (thumb) will start the Rams’ playoff game at Green Bay on Saturday, and John Wolford (neck) will be inactive. … Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-helaire (ankle) was held out of practice Thursday. The Chiefs will face the Browns in the divisional round of the playoffs Sunday.