In a bold mid-season decision, the New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh following a lackluster 2-3 start to the 2024 NFL season. The firing marks the first time that Jets owner Woody Johnson has dismissed a coach mid-season, underscoring the urgency and high expectations surrounding this year’s squad. Saleh, who had been with the Jets since 2021, exits with a 20-36 record, failing to lead the team to the playoffs during his tenure.
The decision to part ways with Saleh came after a frustrating start to the season, despite high hopes following quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ return from an Achilles injury. Saleh’s defensive unit had been performing exceptionally well, ranking second in the league in yards allowed per game. However, it was the offense’s continued struggles that ultimately led to Saleh’s downfall. The Jets rank near the bottom of the league in both total offense and scoring, despite Rodgers being back at the helm after his season-ending injury early in 2023.
The tipping point came in the last two games, where the Jets were upset by the Denver Broncos in Week 4, followed by a disappointing 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Rodgers threw three interceptions in the Vikings game, including a costly pick-six, and the team’s offensive woes became glaringly apparent. Saleh, who was reportedly blindsided by the decision, expressed disappointment over not getting the chance to turn things around with what he called a “very good roster”
“People gotta start taking accountability. People get tired of hearing the same thing every week.
Quincy Williams with @JeaneCoakley after the Jets’ loss in London: pic.twitter.com/eta4j5b4OI
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 6, 2024
Despite his exit, Saleh leaves a legacy of solid defensive play. Under his leadership, the Jets’ defense consistently ranked among the NFL’s best, finishing fourth in yards allowed in 2022 and third in 2023. His defensive success dates back to his time as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season.
Jets owner Woody Johnson, known for his patience with head coaches in the past, made the uncharacteristic decision to cut ties with Saleh mid-season. Many expected offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, whose relationship with Rodgers is well-documented, to be the one on the hot seat, given the offense’s ongoing struggles. However, Hackett remains in his position, while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been promoted to interim head coach.
Ulbrich, who has been with the Jets since 2021, will have the difficult task of steering the team through the remainder of the season. With the Jets’ defense already performing at an elite level, the focus will be on finding a way to improve the offense, which has been the team’s Achilles heel.
The Jets are set to face the Buffalo Bills in a high-stakes Monday night matchup, where a win could pull them back into contention in the AFC East. Whether Ulbrich can inspire a turnaround remains to be seen, but the team will have to act fast to salvage a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations.
Robert Saleh’s tenure as Jets head coach may have ended in disappointment, but his defensive acumen will likely land him another job soon. For now, he has stated he will not join another team this season and will instead focus on preparing for the next coaching cycle.
As the Jets move forward without Saleh, the spotlight will shine brightly on the team’s leadership and whether they can finally unlock the potential that has eluded them for years.
