The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, October 8.
Fox NFL Insider Jay Glazer spoke with Saleh soon after the news broke.
“Just talked to Robert Saleh who said he was blindsided when Woody Johnson walked into his office and let him go. He’s certainly disappointed that he wasn’t given the chance to turn things around with what he described as a very good roster,” Glazer revealed.
Saleh Taking Time Off for the Rest of the 2024 Season
NFL Insider Michael Silver reported that Saleh “plans to regroup, take a vacation with his family, and prepare for the next hiring cycle, where he is expected to be in demand as a defensive coordinator. He has no intention of joining any staff for the remainder of the 2024 season, even if an opportunity presents itself.”
A Lackluster Head Coaching Record
Saleh’s record as a head coach with the Jets leaves much to be desired. Among coaches who spent at least one season with the team, Saleh has the third-worst winning percentage in franchise history (.357).
Only Rich Kotite (.125) and Adam Gase (.281) had worse records.
While firing a head coach this early in the season may not drastically alter the team’s fate, it’s hard to argue with Saleh’s performance. The numbers speak for themselves.
Nathaniel Hackett Remains Safe… for Now
So far, Saleh is the only one to lose his job at 1 Jets Drive.
According to NFL Insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the team has no plans to fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
NFL Insider and Good Morning Football co-host Peter Schrager also confirmed that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich would be promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
“Some context here: I’ve been told Aaron Rodgers did not play a major role in Saleh’s firing, despite what’s been suggested online. Hackett remains as offensive coordinator, Todd Downing keeps his position in the offensive staff, and Joe Douglas stays in his role. It’s Saleh who’s taking the fall after the team’s 2-3 start,” Schrager explained.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that Jets players are wondering, “How does this fix the offense?” following Saleh’s firing.
NFL Insider Albert Breer added, “Back in early 2023, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan contacted the Jets to explore the possibility of hiring Jeff Ulbrich as his defensive coordinator to replace DeMeco Ryans, who had left for Houston. The Jets declined, but Shanahan’s interest caught Woody Johnson’s eye. Now, Ulbrich is Woody’s choice for head coach.”
Ulbrich now gets a chance to lead the team, albeit as an interim coach. This is a highly talented roster, with a Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm.
Often, a head coaching change can spark a team. The Jets hope that’s the case, as they face a critical game in Week 6.
Gang Green will host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, with AFC East supremacy at stake.
