The Jets have shifted into the next phase in their search for a head coach and their first finalist is 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Saleh flew to New Jersey on Tuesday and will be the first candidate to interview in person with Jets CEO Christopher Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas and team president Hymie Elhai on Wednesday.

The Jets have interviewed nine candidates, including Saleh, virtually but he is the first to meet with the team in person. It is unclear how many other candidates the Jets will bring in. They are able to interview coaches in person whose teams are no longer alive in the playoffs..

Saleh, 41, is a hot name in this hiring cycle. He has interviewed with the Lions, Jaguars, Falcons and Chargers in addition to the Jets. The Eagles also have requested permission to interview him. The Jets’ initial virtual interview with him was on Friday.

If the Jets decide he is their top choice, this could happen quickly to beat the competition to him.

Saleh checks a lot of boxes for the Jets. He is known as an energetic leader who is loved by his players. It may seem odd for the Jets to target a defensive coach with all of the focus on their issues at quarterback, but the Jets have been clear that they are focusing on finding a coach for all parts of the team and not focusing on one side of the ball.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with people if they don’t hire him,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said recently of Saleh. “I mean, he’s as good as you can get. … And he’s going to hire the best staff. He knows about players. He knows who knows what they’re talking about. … And he also knows how to deal with people. So, I hope everyone’s not very smart and doesn’t hire them so I can keep him. But I’m expecting not to have him.”

Shanahan hired Saleh in 2017 to be his defensive coordinator. The two had worked together previously in Houston where Saleh was a low-level coach who caught Shanahan’s eye. 49ers players have spoken glowingly of Saleh. Linebacker Fred Warner called him the best defensive coordinator in the league.

Veteran cornerback Richard Sherman said in November that Saleh would not be in San Francisco for much longer.

“I expect him to be a head coach next year, because of what he’s able to do,” Sherman said. “He’s able to rally men. He’s a leader of men, and that goes a long way.”

Saleh’s defense was No. 2 overall in 2019 and a big part of the 49ers getting to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers had a rough year with injuries this past season and Saleh still managed to coordinate a top-five defense. San Francisco was without starters such as defensive end Nick Bosa (14 games), defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (14 games), edge Dee Ford (15 games), Sherman (11 games) and safety Jaquiski Tarrt for extended periods of the season. Even so, the 49ers finished fifth in yards allowed (314.4 per game), fourth in passing yards (207.7) and seventh in rushing (106.4).

The Jets have emphasized leadership in their search for a replacement for Adam Gase and Saleh seems to fit the bill. He was asked to describe his leadership style late in the season.

“Offense, defense, special teams, it doesn’t matter,” Saleh said. “It’s the mindset of the person in charge that creates an atmosphere in which players compete and players fight for one another, and players have a genuine love for one another.”

The Jets have interviewed Saleh, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn.