Fordson High School Graduate Saleh Named New York Jets Coach

DEARBORN, MI — The New York Jets have hired 1997 Fordson High School graduate Robert Saleh as the franchise's next head coach.

Saleh, 41, signed a five-year contract with the Jets, according to ESPN. Saleh previously had been the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to that, Saleh worked as an assistant coach with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl.

After graduating from Fordson, Saleh attended Northern Michigan University. He began his coaching career in Michigan, coaching at Michigan State and Central Michigan before jumping to the NFL.

On social media, several people had encouraging words for Saleh — around the league as well as closer to home.

Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja congratulated Saleh on Twitter.

Richard Sherman, a former All-Pro defensive back with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, liked the move. He had also spoken highly of Saleh previously.

Some were disappointed Saleh wasn't hired by the Detroit Lions. The Lions have yet to name a new head coach to replace Matt Patricia, who the organization fired mid-season.

In December, a bipartisan group of 36 Michigan House legislators led by Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) released an open letter to the Lions organization, suggesting the team hire Saleh.

“A hometown hero, Robert was raised in the Dearborn community, attended Fordson High School, played his college career at Northern Michigan University, and coached at Michigan State University… Most recently, as Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, his defense has improved across numerous categories; turnovers, sacks, and yards allowed per game," the lawmakers wrote in the letter.