Jets Star Sauce Gardner Shares One-Word Reaction to Robert Saleh’s New 49ers Job.
Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh received support from one of his former players after securing a new role on Friday night.
Saleh, who was dismissed by the Jets earlier this season, has been officially announced as the San Francisco 49ers’ new defensive coordinator—a position he previously held from 2017 to 2020.
Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner appeared pleased with the news, reacting to the announcement with a simple yet enthusiastic post on X: “Sheeesh,” accompanied by three fire emojis.
Gardner flourished under Saleh’s defensive leadership, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons.
Saleh took over as the Jets’ head coach in 2021, leading the team for over three seasons before being let go following a Week 5 loss to the Vikings.
During his tenure, New York’s defense excelled, ranking first in passing yards allowed per game and opponent yards per play between 2022 and 2023—a statistic the 49ers highlighted in their announcement.
While Saleh was widely expected to take over the 49ers’ defensive coordinator role as of Thursday, according to The Athletic, the move was only finalized after the Cowboys appointed Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach.
Saleh had also interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coaching position and met with the Raiders and Jaguars regarding their vacancies. However, Las Vegas ultimately hired Pete Carroll, while Jacksonville chose Liam Coen—who initially planned to remain in Tampa Bay before reversing course and taking the Jaguars job after GM Trent Baalke was fired.
Meanwhile, the Jets have also restructured their leadership, naming former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their new head coach. Additionally, Broncos assistant GM Darren Mougey is expected to take over as New York’s new general manager, replacing Joe Douglas, who was dismissed in November. Jets Sauce Gardner One-Word Reaction.
