The New York Jets made a surprise move Tuesday morning, firing head coach Robert Saleh.
Though it was a tumultuous tenure for Saleh in East Rutherford, the Indianapolis Colts have an intriguing connection that could help them on the defensive side of the ball.
While head coach Shane Steichen has made it clear that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley isn't going anywhere entering Week 6, the Colts should still ask about Saleh as a defensive consultant.
When Bradley was defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, there was a two-year overlap where Saleh was a defensive quality control coach (2011-2012).
Saleh was then the linebackers coach under Bradley for the final three seasons of his tenure when the latter was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-2016).
Hiring Saleh as the defensive coordinator isn't a move the Colts are going to make. They've made it clear Bradley is holding onto the job despite the defense's massive shortcomings to begin the season.
The Colts rank 30th in yards per play (6.0), 32nd in first downs (114), 28th in third down percentage (46.7%), 25th in red zone percentage (64.7%) and 23rd in points per drive (2.25).
It's also very likely that Saleh wouldn't want to jump right in as a defensive consultant for another team right after being fired. He likely wants to unwind for the remainder of the season before the interest will pique again during the offseason.
But if the Colts brought in Saleh as a consultant, it would bring another elite set of eyes on the defensive side of the ball. It would also give them a potential successor to take over if Bradley is on his way out after 2024.
It's a long shot and very unlikely to happen, but it would behoove the Colts to at least reach out and gauge his interest once the noise has settled down.
More Indianapolis Colts News
Biggest takeaways from Colts' Week 5 loss to Jaguars
Colts vs. Jaguars game recap Week 5: Everything we know
Colts fall in power rankings entering Week 6
