Robert Saleh is in no rush to get back on the sidelines.
The former Jets coach will not join another team’s staff midseason and instead will focus on the upcoming offseason hiring cylce after his stunning Jets dismissal, The Post’s Brian Costello confirmed.
The San Francisco Chronicle first reported Saleh’s plans, which includes an upcoming family vacation.
Saleh figures to be a top option for teams with defensive coordinator openings this offseason after parlaying his previous coordinator prowess with the 49ers into the Jets’ head coaching job.
The Jets are still on the hook for Saleh’s contract through the remainder of the 2024 season and then for next year after he signed a five-year deal before the 2021 season.
That financial security allows Saleh to be selective with his next steps, and there seemingly is little incentive to join a team as an advisor or consultant compared to waiting for a coordinator opening.
Such a move would also not provide financial aid since contracts are normally constructed with language stipulating any new income reduces the former team’s debts.
Saleh reportedly made $5 million per season with the Jets, according to Front Office Sports, which means the Jets owe him $10 million combined for this season and next year.
There are zero defensive coordinator jobs open at the moment and even if one should arise, that’s likely not a desirable job. If Saleh waits, then he can have the pick of the open jobs.
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There had been some internet speculation about Saleh potentially heading back to the 49ers, whose defense has struggled by its standards this season, but the Chronicle shot down that premise.
Saleh served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2017-20, helping the team reach the Super Bowl during the 2020 campaign.
“The bottom line, for the 49ers, is this: Unless something really weird happens, Robert Saleh’s not walking through that door,” Mike Silver reported.
Saleh also has a strong relationship with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, but the Packers just hired a new defensive coordinator in Jeff Hafley.
Teams would still be interested in Saleh despite his disappointing Jets tenure since the team had a top defense over the last three years.
The Jets have ranked fourth, third and second in yards allowed per game over the last three seasons, respectively. They’re yielding just 255.8 yards per game this season.
While Jeff Ulrbrich was the Jets’ defensive coordinator under Saleh and is now the new interim coach, the defense clearly had Saleh’s fingerprints on it.
Saleh just could not overcome offensive struggles tied to issues at the quarterback position, with Zach Wilson failing to develop and Aaron Rodgers playing in just six games under his tutelage.
The Jets’ decision left the 45-year-old “blindsided,” according to Fox Sports.
He thanked the franchise and its fans in a statement Wednesday with The Post.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege,” Saleh said in a statement released on Tuesday morning. “Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up everyday and attacked every moment.
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were ‘all in’ and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
“To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here.”