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Just-Fired Head Coach Would Be Perfect Addition to Eagles’ Staff

The Philadelphia Eagles should target Robert Saleh for their staff after the 45-year-old was fired by the New York Jets on Tuesday.

By Devon Platana

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni walks to the bench before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni walks to the bench before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Eagles will finally return from their bye when they host the Cleveland Browns for a Week 6 matchup on Sunday. Defensive struggles have plagued the Eagles to begin the 2024 NFL season, leaving fans hoping that Nick Sirianni's staff worked on those issues during the team's week off.

Although the Eagles have several notable playmakers on defense, they're still surrendering 24.0 points per game — 11th-most in the NFL. Fortunately, the perfect individual to solve those issues may have just become available.

Eagles Rumors: Should Philadelphia Target Robert Saleh?

On Tuesday, the New York Jets announced that they had fired head coach Robert Saleh. The 45-year-old head coach tallied a 20-36 record with the Jets since 2021, however, a 2-3 start to the current season was enough to cost him his job.

Even though Saleh's head coaching record isn't that inspiring, the lack of results isn't entirely his fault.

Most of the Jets' issues throughout his tenure had to deal with a lack of offensive talent. That was supposed to change last season with the addition of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, however, those improvements were put on hold when the veteran quarterback tore his Achillies four snaps into the year.

The Jets continued to surround Saleh with less-than-impressive offensive talent again this season, which led to their unfortunate start. But while New York's offense struggled, the team's defense has remained stellar and that's why the Eagles might want to consider calling the dismissed coach — even if it's for a lesser role alongside Sirianni.

Here's a look at the Jets' scoring defense numbers from Saleh's four-season run:

  • 2021: 29.6 PPG (32nd)
  • 2022: 18.6 PPG (4th)
  • 2023: 20.9 PPG (12th)
  • 2024: 17.0 PPG (T-5th)

Aside from his first year behind the bench, Saleh turned the Jets into one of the NFL's top defenses. Meanwhile, the Eagles have struggled to stop their opponents for nearly a year. Since Week 12 of the 2023 season, Philadelphia has surrendered an average of 30.3 points in its last dozen games.

NFL insider Michael Silver reported that Saleh doesn't intend to join another coaching staff this season, but nothing is guaranteed just yet. An opportunity to work alongside defensive difference-makers like Jordan Davis, Brandon Graham, and Darius Slay could be too enticing to turn down.

Besides, there's always the chance that the Eagles could offer him a smaller role with less pressure, such as an advisory position, if working hours are a concern.

If there's any chance that the Eagles can add a defensive genius like Saleh to the coaching staff, they can't hesitate to pull the trigger. He's the type of individual who can help Philadelphia iron out its defensive issues.

In the meantime, the Eagles will focus on Sunday's matchup against the Browns where they're currently the 8.5-point home favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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