Steve Young Likes Robert Saleh as Titans Coach

Hall of Fame player Steve Young said he thinks Robert Saleh is a great choice for the Tennessee Titans' new head coach. Young believes Saleh's experience will help the team grow, especially their young quarterback.
By Newsroom | NFL, Tennessee Titans |

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young has expressed strong approval for the Tennessee Titans' decision to hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Young, who has observed Saleh's work with the San Francisco 49ers, believes Saleh's leadership and experience, particularly from his time with the New York Jets, will be highly beneficial for the Titans. This endorsement comes amidst a period of transition for the Titans, who are looking to rebuild around their recent No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward.

Background on the Coaching Transition

The Tennessee Titans recently appointed Robert Saleh as their new head coach. This move follows a period where Saleh previously led the New York Jets. His hiring has generated considerable discussion within the NFL community, with various figures weighing in on his suitability for the role. The Titans themselves are in a rebuilding phase, having finished the previous season with a challenging record and possessing the top pick in the draft, quarterback Cam Ward.

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Hall of Famer Steve Young: Robert Saleh will be 'great' for Titans - 1

  • Robert Saleh's Previous Role: Head Coach of the New York Jets.

  • Titans' Current Situation: Rebuilding team, with quarterback Cam Ward as a key player.

  • Context of Hire: Saleh was also a finalist for other head coaching positions, indicating significant interest from multiple teams.

Steve Young's Perspective on Saleh

Steve Young, a renowned figure in NFL history, has shared his positive outlook on Robert Saleh's appointment as the Titans' head coach. Young, having witnessed Saleh's coaching acumen firsthand during his tenure with the 49ers, suggests that Saleh's defensive expertise and organizational management skills are significant assets.

"In my mind, he is so much better of a coach because he went to the Jets." - Steve Young

Young also highlighted Saleh's potential to positively impact the development of quarterback Cam Ward, and indicated that adding Brian Daboll to the coaching staff would further support this growth. Young’s remarks suggest a belief in Saleh's capacity to manage the entire organization, including player development and strategic game planning.

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Hall of Famer Steve Young: Robert Saleh will be 'great' for Titans - 2

  • Young's Familiarity with Saleh: Observed his work with the San Francisco 49ers.

  • Key Qualities Cited: Defensive prowess, organizational management, quarterback development.

  • Impact on Cam Ward: Young believes Saleh, possibly with the help of Brian Daboll, can aid in Ward's progression.

Saleh's Coaching Trajectory and Perceived Impact

Robert Saleh's move to the Titans marks his second opportunity as a head coach. His prior stint with the Jets has been a point of discussion, with some reports noting mixed results, particularly in developing young quarterbacks like Zach Wilson. However, others view his previous role as a defensive coordinator as a significant strength, with some analyses suggesting he was unfairly dismissed from his Jets position.

  • Past Struggles: Reports indicate a spotty record in developing quarterbacks with the Jets.

  • Defensive Coordinator Success: Acknowledged for consistent success in this role.

  • Second Chance: Earned another head coaching opportunity despite past challenges.

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Some assessments of the Titans' decision to hire Saleh have been favorable, with reports of the team receiving a high grade for the move. This suggests a broader belief in Saleh's potential to implement a new, more aggressive style of play and instill discipline within the team. Saleh himself has indicated plans to call the plays as the Titans' head coach, a role he previously anticipated taking on in Tennessee.

"Robert Saleh’s talent as a defensive coordinator and strategist have few peers in the NFL, and the way he was unfairly booted from the Jets after being saddled with Zach Wilson was the highest level of ineptitude." - Unattributed quote from Article 7

"With a reputation for non-nonsense coaching and demanding discipline from his players, Saleh is the perfect coach to come into Nashville and mold a young team in need of stewardship." - Unattributed quote from Article 7

Implications for the Titans

Steve Young's endorsement adds significant weight to the positive reception of Robert Saleh's hiring by the Tennessee Titans. His perspective, drawn from observing Saleh's career, suggests confidence in Saleh's ability to lead the team effectively. The Titans are poised to embark on a new chapter with Saleh at the helm, aiming to leverage his experience and leadership to foster growth, particularly with their promising young quarterback. The success of this transition will likely hinge on Saleh's ability to translate his defensive strengths and organizational vision into tangible on-field results for the Titans.

  • Key Focus Areas: Defensive strategy, organizational management, quarterback development.

  • Coaching Philosophy: Described as demanding discipline and a more "violent" style of play.

  • Building Around Ward: Saleh's leadership is seen as crucial for developing the team's top draft pick.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Steve Young?
Steve Young is a famous former football player who played quarterback. He is now in the Hall of Fame.
Q: Why does Steve Young like Robert Saleh?
Young watched Saleh coach and thinks he is good at leading players and managing a team. He believes Saleh can help the Titans get better.
Q: What team did Robert Saleh coach before?
Robert Saleh was the head coach for the New York Jets before he was hired by the Tennessee Titans.