The firing of Robert Saleh as head coach of the New York Jets sent shockwaves through the NFL, with players and coaches across the league expressing their admiration for the defensive-minded leader. While his record stood at 20-36, Saleh’s impact went far beyond wins and losses. Inside the Jets’ locker room, his ability to unite the team and foster the development of young players transformed the culture in New York.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson voiced the sentiments of many teammates: “He believed in me. To have a coach that valued my opinion… it hurts. I’m confident that his best days are ahead of him in this league.” All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner echoed those emotions, noting that the team continued playing for Saleh despite his dismissal. The players understand that the decision came down to results, with key losses to the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings likely sealing Saleh’s fate. Had they secured wins in those matchups, Saleh might still be in charge.
Nevertheless, the Jets are now refocusing on the future and their quest for the AFC East crown. As they prepare for a critical showdown with the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, team leaders like quarterback Aaron Rodgers are urging the squad to unite and elevate their performance. “We’ve got to lock arms and raise the level of our play,” Rodgers said. “You can change coaches, but we’re the ones out there on the field. We’ve got to play better, stick together, and get behind Brick (Ulbrich) as we move forward.”
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, now the interim head coach, won’t have to worry about motivating the locker room—a testament to the foundation Saleh built. Even after his departure, Saleh’s influence on the Jets remains strong, leaving an enduring legacy as the team pushes ahead in the season.
GET MORE CONTENT HERE
Leave a Reply