Robert Saleh Fired: Jets Seek New Direction Mid-Season

Robert Saleh has been fired as head coach of the New York Jets following their loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday. This season has been disappointing for the Jets, with three losses out of five games. Saleh, who took the helm in 2021, finishes his tenure with a 20-36 record and failed to lead the team to the playoffs in all three of his full seasons.

This decision marks a historic moment for Jets owner Woody Johnson as it is the first time in his 25 years of ownership that he has dismissed a coach mid-season. In a statement, Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but emphasized that the team had not met its expectations. He believes that this is the right time to pursue a new direction.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Johnson expressed confidence in Ulbrich’s abilities, stating that he is a respected coach who can maximize the team’s potential and help achieve their offseason goals. Former NFL cornerback Jason Bell commented on Saleh’s firing, noting the intense pressure coaches face when they need to secure victories.

He mentioned that if a change is necessary, the timing is crucial. Osi Umenyiora a former defensive end expressed surprise at the decision, suggesting that Robert Saleh performance might have improved with the arrival of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Umenyiora pointed out that Saleh is a defensive coach and that the team’s defense has performed well making the firing particularly unexpected.

This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of coaching changes in the NFL.