The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news comes just two days after the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
In a statement, Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed gratitude for Saleh’s efforts over the past three and a half years but emphasized that the team has not met its expectations. “This was not an easy decision,” Johnson said, “but we are not where we should be, and I believe now is the best time to move in a different direction.”
Robert Saleh, who was hired by the Jets in 2021, compiled a 20-36 record during his tenure, failing to achieve a winning season. His best record came in 2022 and 2023 when the team finished 7-10. Despite the Jets’ struggles on offense, Saleh’s defense was consistently among the NFL’s top units in yardage allowed, ranking in the top five in 2022, 2023, and through the first five games of 2024.
Quarterback play, however, was a major issue under Saleh’s leadership. The Jets cycled through six starting quarterbacks during his 56-game tenure, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, who was acquired with high expectations this offseason, has had a disappointing start to his Jets career, throwing seven touchdowns and four interceptions, with an 81.6 passer rating, the lowest of his career as a starter.
As interim head coach, Ulbrich, who has been with the team since 2021, will look to turn things around with a talented defense and a team sitting at 2-3, just one game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. The Jets will face the Bills at home in Week 6 on Monday Night Football before traveling to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.
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