History of Robert Saleh in Timeline
Robert Saleh is an accomplished American football coach currently leading the New York Jets in the NFL. With a career spanning from 2005, he has held assistant coaching roles for notable teams like the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers. His impressive track record includes two Super Bowl appearances, clinching victory in Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks. In 2021, Saleh took on the challenging position of head coach for the Jets.
1971: Ed Khayat becomes head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
Ed Khayat became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1971, marking the start of his tenure with the team.
1972: Abe Gibron becomes head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ed Khayat's time with the Philadelphia Eagles ends
Abe Gibron took on the role of head coach for the Chicago Bears in 1972. That same year, Ed Khayat's tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles ended.
1974: Abe Gibron's time as head coach of the Chicago Bears ends
Abe Gibron's time leading the Chicago Bears as head coach concluded in 1974.
January 31, 1979: Robert Saleh is born
Robert Saleh was born on January 31, 1979.
1991: Rich Kotite starts coaching the Philadelphia Eagles
Rich Kotite's time as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles began in 1991.
1997: Robert Saleh graduates high school and attends Northern Michigan University
In 1997, Robert Saleh graduated from Fordson High School and enrolled at Northern Michigan University, pursuing a degree in finance and playing football.
2001: Robert Saleh's brother survives 9/11 attacks
On September 11, 2001, Robert Saleh's brother, David, narrowly escaped the World Trade Center attacks in New York City. He was in the South Tower and made it out safely. This event profoundly impacted Robert, inspiring him to pursue his passion for coaching football.
2001: Robert Saleh graduates from Northern Michigan University
Robert Saleh graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2001 with a degree in finance, having been a four-year starter for the Wildcats football team and earning all-conference honors as a tight end.
2002: Robert Saleh starts coaching at Michigan State University
Robert Saleh began his coaching career in 2002 as a defensive assistant at Michigan State University.
2003: Last time the 49ers finished in the top 10 in both scoring and yards per game
The last time the 49ers finished in the top 10 in both points allowed and yards allowed per game was in 2003, highlighting the significance of their defensive performance in 2019. This achievement underscored Robert Saleh's impact as defensive coordinator.
2004: Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur work as graduate assistants at Central Michigan University
Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur crossed paths professionally in 2004 while working as graduate assistants at Central Michigan University, where their friendship began to blossom.
2004: Robert Saleh becomes defensive assistant at Central Michigan University
Robert Saleh transitioned to Central Michigan University as a defensive assistant in 2004.
2005: Robert Saleh becomes defensive assistant at the University of Georgia
In 2005, Robert Saleh worked as a defensive assistant at the University of Georgia.
2005: Robert Saleh starts as an intern with the Houston Texans
Robert Saleh began his journey with the Houston Texans in 2005 as an intern, focusing on the defensive unit.
2005: Robert Saleh begins NFL coaching career
Robert Saleh started his NFL coaching journey in 2005 as an intern with the Houston Texans, working with their defense.
February 2006: Robert Saleh becomes defensive quality control coach for the Houston Texans
In February 2006, Robert Saleh was hired as a defensive quality control coach for the Houston Texans under defensive coordinator Richard Smith.
2006: Robert Saleh and Kyle Shanahan begin working together as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans
Robert Saleh and Kyle Shanahan began working together as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans in 2006, a partnership that would continue until 2009. This collaboration marked the beginning of a professional relationship that would later see them reunite in San Francisco.
2008: Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur reunite as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans
Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur's paths crossed again in 2008 when they worked together as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans, strengthening their bond.
January 2009: Robert Saleh promoted to assistant linebackers coach for the Houston Texans
Robert Saleh was promoted to the position of assistant linebackers coach for the Houston Texans in January 2009.
2009: Robert Saleh and Kyle Shanahan's time together at the Texans ends
Robert Saleh and Kyle Shanahan's time working together at the Houston Texans came to an end in 2009.
2009: Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur's time together at the Houston Texans ends
The collaborative journey of Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans came to a close in 2009.
February 2011: Robert Saleh joins the Seattle Seahawks
Robert Saleh joined the Seattle Seahawks in February 2011, working as the defensive quality control coach under the leadership of Pete Carroll.
2013: Robert Saleh becomes linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars
After the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl, Robert Saleh took on the role of linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, working under head coach Gus Bradley. He was not retained for the following season under the new head coach Doug Marrone.
2013: Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII
Robert Saleh was part of the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff during their triumphant 2013 season, which culminated in their Super Bowl XLVIII victory against the Denver Broncos. The team's defense during this era was famously known as the "Legion of Boom."
February 13, 2017: Robert Saleh named defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers
On February 13, 2017, Robert Saleh was appointed as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, reuniting with head coach Kyle Shanahan, whom he had previously worked with during their time as assistant coaches for the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2009.
2019: San Francisco 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV
In 2019, Robert Saleh played a key role in leading the San Francisco 49ers' defense to a remarkable season. They finished with impressive rankings across various defensive categories, including being sixth in forced turnovers, second in total defense, first in passing defense, and fourth in sacks. This was a significant achievement, marking the first time since 2003 that the 49ers secured a top-10 position in both points allowed and yards allowed per game. Under Saleh's guidance as defensive coordinator, the team reached Super Bowl LIV, ultimately losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.
2020: Robert Saleh's tenure as an assistant coach ends
Robert Saleh's time as an assistant coach came to a close in 2020, concluding his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
January 14, 2021: Robert Saleh signs with the New York Jets
On January 14, 2021, Robert Saleh officially signed a five-year contract to become the head coach of the New York Jets, marking a pivotal step in his coaching career.
September 12, 2021: Robert Saleh makes his head coaching debut
Robert Saleh made his debut as a head coach on September 12, 2021. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 19-14 loss against the Carolina Panthers. His first victory as a head coach came later in the season, on October 3, with a thrilling 27-24 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans. However, the Jets finished the season with a 4-13 record, missing the playoffs for the eleventh consecutive season.
2021: Robert Saleh named head coach of the New York Jets
In 2021, Robert Saleh was appointed as the head coach for the New York Jets, marking a significant milestone in his career.