History of Robert Saleh in Timeline
Robert Saleh is an American football coach, currently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to this role, he served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-2024. Saleh's career includes assistant coaching positions with the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the 49ers. He has participated in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks. His coaching expertise is primarily focused on defense.
1971: Ed Khayat coaches Philadelphia Eagles
In 1971, Ed Khayat began coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, marking one of the Arab-American head coaches in the NFL
1972: Ed Khayat coaches Philadelphia Eagles, Abe Gibron coaches Chicago Bears
In 1972, Ed Khayat coached the Philadelphia Eagles and Abe Gibron began coaching the Chicago Bears, marking Arab-American head coaches in the NFL
1974: Abe Gibron coaches Chicago Bears
In 1974, Abe Gibron was coaching the Chicago Bears
January 31, 1979: Robert Saleh's Birth
On January 31, 1979, Robert Saleh was born. He later became a football coach in the NFL.
1991: Rich Kotite coaches Philadelphia Eagles
In 1991, Rich Kotite began coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, marking one of the Arab-American head coaches in the NFL
1994: Rich Kotite coaches Philadelphia Eagles
In 1994, Rich Kotite was coaching the Philadelphia Eagles
1997: Graduation from Fordson High School
In 1997, Robert Saleh graduated from Fordson High School and then attended Northern Michigan University.
2001: Graduation from Northern Michigan University
In 2001, Robert Saleh graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in finance.
2001: Saleh's brother survives 9/11 attack
In 2001, Robert Saleh's brother David survived the September 11 attacks in New York City, which Saleh credits as motivation to pursue his coaching dreams.
2002: Defensive Assistant at Michigan State University
In 2002, Robert Saleh began his coaching career as a defensive assistant with Michigan State University.
2003: 49ers finished in the top 10
In 2003, the 49ers finished in the top 10 in both scoring and yards per game
2004: Defensive Assistant at Central Michigan University
In 2004, Robert Saleh worked as a defensive assistant with Central Michigan University.
2005: Intern with the Houston Texans
In 2005, Robert Saleh was hired as an intern with the Houston Texans, working with the defensive unit.
2005: Defensive Assistant at the University of Georgia
In 2005, Robert Saleh worked as a defensive assistant with the University of Georgia.
February 2006: Defensive Quality Control Coach for the Houston Texans
In February 2006, Robert Saleh was retained as a defensive quality control coach for the Houston Texans.
2006: Assistant Coach for the Houston Texans
In 2006, Robert Saleh worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Texans.
January 2009: Assistant Linebackers Coach for the Houston Texans
In January 2009, Robert Saleh was promoted to assistant linebackers coach for the Houston Texans.
2009: Assistant Coach for the Houston Texans
In 2009, Robert Saleh worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Texans.
February 2011: Defensive Quality Control Coach for the Seattle Seahawks
In February 2011, Robert Saleh was hired as the defensive quality control coach for the Seattle Seahawks.
2013: Linebackers Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Following the Seahawks' 2013 championship season, Robert Saleh became the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2013: Super Bowl XLVIII win with the Seattle Seahawks
In 2013, Robert Saleh and the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos.
February 13, 2017: Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers
On February 13, 2017, Robert Saleh was named the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
2019: Successful Season as 49ers Defensive Coordinator
During the 2019 season, the 49ers defense, under Robert Saleh, ranked high in various defensive categories and reached Super Bowl LIV.
January 14, 2021: Hired as Head Coach of the New York Jets
On January 14, 2021, Robert Saleh signed a five-year contract to become the head coach of the New York Jets.
September 12, 2021: Head Coaching Debut with the Jets
On September 12, 2021, Robert Saleh lost his head coaching debut with the New York Jets against the Carolina Panthers.
2021: Head Coach of the New York Jets
In 2021, Robert Saleh became the head coach of the New York Jets.
2022: Jets finish season with 7-10 record
In the 2022 season, Saleh led the New York Jets to a 7–10 record, missing the playoffs.
2023: Jets finish season with 7-10 record
In the 2023 season, Saleh led the New York Jets to a 7–10 record, missing the playoffs.
October 8, 2024: Fired by the New York Jets
On October 8, 2024, Robert Saleh was fired by the New York Jets after the team's poor start to the season.
October 23, 2024: Saleh Enlisted as Consultant by Packers
On October 23, 2024, Matt LaFleur confirmed that Robert Saleh was enlisted in a consultant role to help with the Packers offensive gameplan.
2024: End of Tenure as Jets Head Coach
In 2024, Robert Saleh's tenure as the head coach of the New York Jets ended.
January 24, 2025: Rehired as Defensive Coordinator for the 49ers
On January 24, 2025, Robert Saleh was rehired by the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
