Robert Saleh is an Arab-American football coach and an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL as of October 2024. He became the first Islamic head coach in NFL history when the Jets chose him to lead their team in 2021. Robert’s official coaching tenure started at Michigan State University in 2002. He spent the next two decades coaching various positions with seven colleges and NFL teams, before finally getting the head coaching job with the Jets in 2021.He attended Fordson High School, where he began his football journey. He enrolled at Northern Michigan University in 1997, where he played a tight end position. He also graduated with a degree in finance and had a career as a credit analyst, before finally making the jump to football coaching, according to New York Jets' official website.

Robert Saleh Personal Information

Robert Saleh's Early Life

Robert was born on January 31, 1979, to Lebanese immigrant parents in Dearborn, Michigan. He graduated from Fordson High School in 1997. Robert has a brother named David, who was present in the South Tower during the 9/11 attacks in 2001 but escaped to the lobby towards safety.

Robert Saleh House

According to Crazy Luxury Homes, Robert Saleh has a 14,000-square-foot home in Harding Township, New Jersey. The house built in 2001 features 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The 6.64-acre property offers 13 parking spaces as well.

Robert Saleh Contract & Salary

Robert Saleh signed a five-year contract with the New York Jets when he got the position in 2021. His contract provides him an estimated annual salary of $5 million, according to Pro Football Network.

Robert Saleh Coaching History

Saleh started his coaching tenure with the University of South Florida in 2002 and got his first stint in the NFL as a defensive intern with the Houston Texans in 2005. Ultimately, he went on to guide different defensive positions for three NFL teams in the next 15 years, before becoming the head coach.

College (2002-2005)

Robert Saleh was hired as an offensive assistant at the Michigan State University in 2002. Following this, he had a one-season stint as a defensive assistant at Michigan State, Central Michigan, and Georgia till the 2005 season.

Houston Texans (2005 - 2010)

Saleh began his career in the NFL when he began working as a defensive intern for the Houston Texans in 2005. After just a season, he was promoted to defensive quality control coach, under Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith. After holding the position for three seasons, he was promoted to the position of assistant linebackers coach in 2009.

Seattle Seahawks (2011 - 2013)

Saleh joined Seattle Seahawks in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach, under head coach Pete Carroll. Saleh had an important role in improving the Seahawks' defense, which was dubbed the 'Legion of Boom,' and led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2013.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2014 - 2016)

In 2014, Saleh joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a linebackers coach under head coach, Gus Bradley. However, after spending three seasons with the team, he would not be retained under Doug Marrone's tenure.

San Francisco 49ers (2017 - 2020)

In 2017, Saleh was given the position of Defensive Coordinator at the San Francisco 49ers under head coach, Kyle Shanahan. Both Saleh and Shanahan worked as assistant coaches during their Houston days (2006 - 2009). During the 2019 NFL season, the 49ers' defense was top six in categories like forced turnovers, total defense, passing defense, and sacks. The team also reached the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs that season.

New York Jets (2021 - 2024)

On 14th January 2021, Saleh finally got the job as the head coach at the New York Jets. In his three years as a head coach, the New York Jets' defense has improved every season. The Jets' defense ranked fourth and third in the 2022 and 2023 seasons respectively, according to the New York Jets' official website. He was relieved from his head coaching duties on 8th October, 2024 after a 20-36 record in 46 games.

Green Bay Packers (2024 - Present)

Saleh got hired as a consultant for the offensive side of the ball by Green Bay.

Robert Saleh's Playing Career

Robert Saleh played for Northern Michigan University for four years as a tight end. He earned all-conference honors during his collegiate career with the Wildcats.

Robert Saleh Achievements & Awards

Super Bowl Champion XLVIII (2013)

Robert Saleh was a defensive quality control coach on a Seattle Seahawks team who won the Super Bowl XLVIII by beating the Denver Broncos in a blowout win, 43-8.

Robert Saleh Family

Robert Saleh was born to Sam Saleh and Fatin Saleh, as per the New York Jets' official website. Both his parents are of Lebanese descent. He has a brother named David Saleh. Robert is married to Sanaa Saleh, with whom he shares seven kids.

Robert Saleh wife

Robert Saleh is married to Sanaa Saleh. The couple tied the knot in 2007, according to People. Sanaa started the charity organization 'Sanaa’s Stars' in 2019, whose mission is to fight against child sexual abuse, as per People.

Robert Saleh kids

Robert and Sanaa Saleh have been blessed with five sons and two daughters. According to the New York Jets' official website, the names of their sons are Adam, Zane, Michael, Sam, and Jacob while their daughters' names are Mila and Ella.