Stumbling New York Jets fire head coach Robert Saleh after 2-3 start

In a surprising move, the New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh following a challenging start to the season. The Jets suffered a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, leaving their record at 2-3 and Saleh with an overall coaching record of 20-36 since joining the team.

Jets co-owner Woody Johnson announced the decision in a statement, saying, “This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the head coach of the Jets. I thanked him for his hard work over the 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.”

Taking over as interim head coach is defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who will lead the Jets into their next game against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Johnson expressed his confidence in Ulbrich, stating, “Jeff Ulbrich is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he, along with the coaching staff, can get the most out of our talented roster and help us achieve the goals we set for ourselves this offseason.”

Saleh was seen as a promising figure in the coaching world when he was hired in 2021 after a successful run as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Notably, he became the first Muslim head coach in NFL history. While he made strides in improving the Jets’ defense, the offense struggled to find solid footing under his leadership. The team faced significant obstacles, including a constant shuffle of quarterbacks, with six different players taking the helm during his tenure, and a disappointing decision in the 2021 draft when they selected quarterback Zach Wilson second overall.

Last season, hope seemed to emerge when the Jets brought in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who was expected to guide the young, talented roster back to the playoffs. However, an Achilles injury sustained by Rodgers on the first drive of the season derailed those aspirations, resulting in a lackluster 7-10 finish. As Rodgers prepares for the 2024 season at the age of 40, questions remain about his effectiveness and his relationship with Saleh, which has faced rumors of tension.

Some critics argue that Saleh’s firing might be premature, especially given the Jets’ relatively strong defensive performance this season. Despite their 2-3 record, they sit just one game behind the Bills in the AFC East, with a chance to claim first place with a victory on Monday. However, the loss to the undefeated Vikings has intensified concerns about the Jets’ trajectory under Saleh.

With Saleh’s departure, co-owners Christopher and Woody Johnson now face the critical challenge of finding a new head coach. Considering the Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, fans might understandably question the Johnsons’ ability to make the right choice moving forward.

Interestingly, Saleh recently drew attention for wearing the Lebanese flag on his sleeve during a game, signaling his support in light of recent Israeli airstrikes in his country of descent.