Robert Saleh has established himself as one of the most respected defensive minds in football. His coaching career began in 2002 as a defensive assistant, and he steadily worked his way up the ranks.
After holding various positions with the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, Saleh gained significant recognition as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, playing a key role in their 2019 Super Bowl run. His success earned him the head coaching gig for the New York Jets in 2021, where he focused on rebuilding the team. Unfortunately, after a 2-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, the Jets fired Saleh as their head coach.
As Saleh’s career has progressed, so has his income. Let’s examine his net worth in detail and explore the income streams that have contributed to his financial success.
Robert Saleh’s Contract and Net Worth
Saleh’s earnings when he was the Jets’ head coach are not publicly available — coaching salary specs are not as well-known as player contract information. However, his five-year contract with the Jets was estimated to pay him around $5 million annually.
Before becoming a head coach, Saleh’s career as a defensive coordinator earned him a decent salary with the 49ers. His success and reputation as a defensive guru have undoubtedly contributed to his growing financial portfolio.
In addition to his coaching salary, Saleh’s income may also include incentives for long-term team growth and development. As a result, his net worth is estimated at $10.5 million.
While Saleh doesn’t have many commercials to his name, one notable commercial for Colgate made headlines for negative reasons. He has also appeared in two TV spots — one for the NFL and another in a commercial for Verizon 5G. It is unclear if he received compensation for these appearances.
Saleh’s hard work and success have allowed him to invest in real estate. He currently resides in a stunning mansion in Morristown, N.J., valued at $2.9 million. The property boasts a luxurious design with seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and lavish outdoor spaces for his seven children.
Jets Fire Head Coach Robert Saleh
Saleh finishes his tenure in New York with a 20-36 mark, having failed to achieve a winning record in any of his three-plus seasons in the AFC East. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as the Jets’ interim head coach, Peter Schrager of NFL Network reports.
The Jets ranked dead last in the NFL in offensive EPA during Robert Saleh's tenure, per @TruMediaSports. 😬
The defense, on the other hand, ranked 7th in defensive EPA … pic.twitter.com/LOGWnDxh5a
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2024
Hired in 2021 after a successful stint as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Saleh was strapped to No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson for his first two seasons with the Jets. Despite boasting excellent defenses, the Jets couldn’t overcome their struggles under center.
Acquiring future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers was supposed to change that. New York traded for Rodgers during the summer of 2023, hoping his addition — combined with a still-elite unit on the defensive side of the ball — would result in wins.
However, Rodgers infamously tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the 2023 campaign, ending the Jets’ season before it started. Rodgers’ 2024 return made this year a make-or-break campaign for New York, and things did not go according to plan. After a 2-3 start and a loss to the Vikings, owner Woody Johnson made Saleh his first in-season firing. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over on an interim basis.