The outrage can subside amongst New York Jets' critics. Head coach Robert Saleh isn't blowing off the NFL Combine afterall.
After it was reported that he would be amongst the growing list of head coaches who are passing up the opportunity to visit Indianapolis, Saleh has apparently experienced a change of heart and a recent conversation with general manager Joe Douglas seems to be the culprit.
"I guess you can label this as breaking news. Me and Robert talk all the time, had a good discussion recently and there’s some good meetings coming up, some good opportunities coming up, so he’s going to be here Saturday. He'll be here Saturday, Sunday," said Douglas during his scheduled media availability on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
Saleh, now in his fourth year as head coach, did not attend the 2023 NFL Combine, but he did hold a media availability at Jets' headquarters that week. Heading to Indianapolis for some weekend work with his general manager, it's unclear when Saleh will next speak to reporters.
"Just a good conversation that we had the other day, and after we had a couple of meetings lined up and a couple interesting situations could present themselves, so, he decided to come out for a couple days," said Douglas. "He thought, we both thought it was a good opportunity to meet with some people and kind of explore that landscape that I keep talking about."
Douglas and his staff have important work ahead of them, identifying potential plug-and-play prospects who can make immediate contributions to a team in win-now mode.
"We do have coaches here. Tony Dews is here right now and he’s going to be at the running back workout. We have more coaches coming for the workouts," said Douglas on Wednesday.
Saleh has faced criticism for the team's 18-33 record under his watch as well as its continued offensive struggles. The Jets, who ranked 31st in total offense (268.6), have multiple holes to fill around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With three open spots on the offensive line, New York, in all likelihood, needs to find a Week 1 starter with its first-round pick.
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