New York Jets set to hire Niners' Robert Saleh as head coach

The New York Jets have reached an agreement in principle with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to become their new head coach. 

The team made the announcement of a deal Thursday night, landing one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates of the offseason. 

Saleh ran the Niners defense for the past four seasons, which included an appearance in Super Bowl LIV last year. Under his direction, San Francisco finished fifth in total yards allowed this past season and second in total defense the previous year.

Saleh, 41, replaces Adam Gase, who was fired after going 9-23 in two tumultuous years at the helm, including 2-14 this past season.

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Saleh had a virtual interview with the Jets on Friday, one of at least nine virtual interviews the Jets conducted in the first week-plus of the search. The Jets hosted Salehon Tuesday for an in-person interview, making him the first finalist.

Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, joins Mike Tomlin, Ron Rivera and Brian Flores to become the fourth active NFL head coach of color.

Contributing: Andy Vazquez, NorthJersey.com