Robert Saleh criticized over NFL Combine absence
Robert Saleh is receiving some criticism for his absence from the NFL Scouting Combine this week.
The combine has been taking place, giving coaches and other football personnel an opportunity to see and meet with top prospects ahead of the draft.
We noted last month how the Rams were not sending coach Sean McVay or GM Les Snead to the event. The strategy is questionable, but the Rams just won the Super Bowl, barely have any draft picks of consequence, and they’re still sending other team personnel to the event. San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, whose team reached the conference championship game, did not attend the event either.
Those two coaches are not alone.
Jets coach Saleh and his coordinators did not attend the combine, though the team sent position coaches and scouts.
Saleh met with the media on a conference call Wednesday and explained the decision.
Jets coach Robert Saleh, speaking via Zoom from NJ, explained he's not attending the NFL scouting combine because “We really felt for us it was just a more efficient ways to utilize our time.” He said he and his coordinators stayed behind in part to dive into free agency.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) March 2, 2022
Despite the rationale, Saleh is taking some criticism.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline wrote about the Jets on Friday and said Saleh was being criticized for his absence.
“According to league people I’ve spoken with, it’s not a good look or a smart move,” Pauline said.
Pauline added that he agreed.
Whether or not Saleh’s rationale makes sense, apparently the perception is bad when you’re coming off a 4-13 season and have two picks in the top 10. Saleh and his staff also coached one of the teams at the Senior Bowl and gained some familiarity with some of the players.
Maybe Saleh needs to get on the phone with Pauline and get him to pull a Rex Ryan.
Photo: Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
