NFL’s New York Jets Hire Robert Saleh, First Muslim Head Coach in League History

Robert Saleh, former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, is the first American of Muslim faith to lead an NFL team. "The Jets have given in-principle approval for Robert Saleh, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator for the past four seasons, to become their head coach. Saleh becomes the Jets’ 20th head coach in franchise history and their 18th head coach hired to take the reins of the Green & White before the start of a new season," the leaders said in a statement.

The record of this 41-year-old coach of Lebanese origin has won over the Jets of New York leaders. Former defensive coach of the San Francisco 49ers since 2007, Robert has achieved good performances. He led the team to the American Super Bowl final against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had also held various positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Seattle Seahawks and the Houston Texans.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomes this appointment. "We salute this development as another sign of the growing inclusion and recognition of American Muslims in our diverse society," it said.