Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh is an American football coach in the National Football League (NFL), best known for serving as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024.
Robert Saleh is an American football coach in the National Football League (NFL), best known for serving as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. He was hired by the Tennessee Titans as head coach in 2026 after returning to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator in 2025. Saleh is widely identified as the first Muslim head coach in NFL history.
Early life
Robert Saleh was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and grew up in a Lebanese American family. Sources describe his background as closely tied to the Arab American community in Dearborn.
NFL coaching career
Saleh began his NFL coaching career with the Houston Texans in 2005 and later coached with the Seahawks, Jaguars, 49ers, and Jets. His career includes a Super Bowl appearance with San Francisco and a Super Bowl ring with Seattle.
Head coach of the Jets
Saleh became the New York Jets' head coach in January 2021 and remained in the role through the 2024 season. Multiple sources describe him as the first Muslim head coach in NFL history.
Return to San Francisco and move to Tennessee
After being rehired by the 49ers as defensive coordinator in January 2025, Saleh later joined the Tennessee Titans as head coach for the 2026 season. The Titans’ official roster lists him in that role.
Key facts
- Saleh has coached in the NFL since 2005, including stops with the Texans, Seahawks, Jaguars, 49ers, Jets, and Titans.
- He was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024.
- He is the first Muslim head coach in NFL history.
- He was hired by the Tennessee Titans as head coach in 2026.
- Saleh and his wife have eight children.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Robert Saleh?
Where was Robert Saleh born?
What teams has Robert Saleh coached?
Was Robert Saleh the first Muslim head coach in NFL history?
What is Robert Saleh’s family background?
What did Robert Saleh do before becoming a head coach?
References
- Tennessee Titans — https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/coaches-roster/robert-salehSupports: Current role as Titans head coach and coaching timeline including Texans, Seahawks, Jaguars, 49ers, and Jets.
- Tennessee Titans — https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/five-things-to-know-about-new-titans-head-coach-robert-salehSupports: Lebanese background, eight children, first Muslim head coach, and prior coaching career.
- Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_SalehSupports: Date and place of birth, current Titans head coach role, and coaching chronology.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30770998/robert-saleh-journey-new-york-jets-began-9-11-epiphanySupports: Lebanese immigrant family background and first Muslim head coach claim.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49107732/tennessee-titans-robert-saleh-father-dream-nfl-coachSupports: Titans hire, 49ers return in 2025, and family background.
- New York Jets — https://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches-roster/robert-salehSupports: Saleh’s appointment as Jets head coach in 2021.
- San Francisco 49ers — https://www.49ers.com/news/finance-to-football-robert-saleh-s-story-of-pursuing-his-passionSupports: Saleh’s path to becoming 49ers defensive coordinator.
- Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2023/9/11/dearborn-robert-saleh-nfl-american-football-new-york-jetsSupports: Dearborn upbringing, Lebanese family background, and first Muslim head coach distinction.