The New York Jets surprisingly fired head coach Robert Saleh after the Jets got off to a 2-3 start to the season. The Jets are coming off back-to-back losses, including a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, and will now have a new head coach when they face the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
Read more: Jets Shockingly Fire Head Coach After 5 Games, Already Name Replacement
Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Saleh reportedly arrived at the Jets facilities to work, and was “blindsided” by the decision of Jets owner Woody Johnson to fire him, per Jay Glazer.
Just talked to Robert Saleh who said was blindsided by Woody Johnson walking to his office and letting him go. Certainly disappointed he wasn’t going to be given the opportunity to get things going with what he said is a very good roster
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 8, 2024
The Jets have shared a statement from Johnson announcing the decision to let go of Saleh.
“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,” Johnson’s statement read. “I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward. This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.”
The statement included that the Jets have promoted defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to serve as their new head coach.
“Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason,” said Johnson.
Saleh, who the Jets hired in 2021 after serving as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, compiled a 20-36 record during his time as the Jets head coach.
Throughout Saleh’s run as head coach, a consistent problem plagued the Jets from seeing success — quarterback. The Jets have had a quarterback problem for much of Saleh’s tenure as head coach, much like they’ve had since Joe Namath left the organization in 1977.
More news: Jets Security Escorted Robert Saleh Out of Building After Being Fired: Report
The Jets drafted Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he struggled to cement himself as the franchise’s answer at quarterback over his first two seasons. The Jets appeared to resolve their issue in 2023 by trading for Aaron Rodgers, but those aspirations faded when Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
With Rodgers back healthy, and Saleh already three seasons into his head coaching career with the Jets, there was no other option but for the team to win. The Jets were far from dead at 2-3 on the season, but Johnson opted to make a change in hopes that it would lead the team to wins while they still have Rodgers.
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