The New York Jets have officially parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, as reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday, October 8. In a statement on social media, Jets owner Woody Johnson announced the decision, thanking Saleh for his hard work over the past three-and-a-half years.
However, Johnson emphasized that the team was not meeting expectations, saying, “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.”
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Johnson expressed his confidence in Ulbrich, describing him as a “tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” a remark that some interpreted as a critique of Saleh’s leadership.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the firing shocked many within the organization, stating, “Sources confirm that the Jets have fired Robert Saleh. I’ve spoken with several people, and the consensus is: Stunned. No one anticipated this.”
Saleh, 45, was hired as the Jets’ head coach in 2021, concluding his tenure with a 20-36 overall record. His departure follows a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos, which reportedly created tension in the organization.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted that while there were signs Johnson’s patience was waning, the decision still came as a surprise, especially following the Denver game.
Despite the upheaval, the Jets remain just one game out of first place in the AFC East. If they can defeat the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, they would tie Buffalo in record and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. However, linebacker Quincy Williams’ postgame remarks reflected frustration within the team, saying, “People gotta start taking accountability. People get tired of hearing the same thing every week.”
The decision to fire Saleh was ultimately made by Woody Johnson, signaling a desire for immediate change to put the team back on track. NFL Insider Dianna Russini reported that Johnson views the Jets as ready to compete and wanted to act before it was too late.
This firing marks a significant moment for the Jets, as it is the first mid-season coaching change under Johnson’s ownership. ESPN’s Rich Cimini pointed out that this is the first in-season coaching change since 1976 when Lou Holtz resigned after a 3-10 start, leaving Mike Holovak to coach the final game.
