- Jets Fall to 2-3 After Sunday’s Loss to Vikings
- High Expectations Dim Following Aaron Rodgers’ Arrival
The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh following a shaky start to the season.
Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London left the Jets with a 2-3 record. Saleh departs with an overall record of 20-36 during his tenure. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as interim head coach and will lead the team in their next game against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
"This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as head coach of the Jets. I thanked him for his dedication over the past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family the best moving forward," Jets co-owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "This was a tough decision, but given our expectations, we are not where we need to be. I believe now is the right time to move in a different direction."
Johnson expressed confidence in Ulbrich, stating, "Jeff is a tough, respected coach. I believe he and the staff can get the most out of our talented team and achieve the goals we set this offseason."
Saleh, hired in 2021 after his success as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, was seen as a rising star and made history as the first Muslim head coach in the NFL. While he built a strong defense, the Jets’ offense struggled under inconsistent quarterback play, finishing at the bottom of the AFC East in Saleh’s first two seasons. Although Saleh had to navigate six different starting quarterbacks, he was part of the team leadership that drafted Zach Wilson as the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, a decision that has yet to pay off.
The Jets appeared to be on the upswing last season after trading for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who was expected to lead the team to playoff contention. However, Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on his first drive, and the Jets finished 7-10. Though Rodgers returned for the 2024 season, at 40 years old, he’s not the dominant player he once was. The veteran quarterback recently dismissed rumors of tension between himself and Saleh.
While some may view Saleh’s firing as premature, the Jets’ defense has remained strong under his leadership. Despite their 2-3 record, the Jets are only one game behind the Bills in the AFC East and have a chance to claim the division lead with a win against Buffalo. Sunday's loss was to an unbeaten Vikings team, adding context to the decision.
The Johnson family, who own the Jets, must now begin the search for a new head coach. Given the team's playoff drought dating back to 2010, fans may be skeptical about the ownership’s ability to make the right hire.
Saleh also made headlines recently for wearing the Lebanese flag during Sunday’s game in light of the country’s experience with Israeli airstrikes.
