In a shocking turn of events, the New York Jets made the bold decision to fire coach Robert Saleh, sending waves of surprise through Florham Park. Saleh, who had been tasked with the monumental job of turning around the organization, seemed to have the team moving in the right direction. The Jets were set to play for a chance at the top spot in the AFC East, a position that seemed improbable just days before Saleh’s abrupt dismissal.
According to sources close to the situation, Saleh was blindsided by the news. He had been diligently preparing for the team’s upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, a crucial matchup on Monday Night Football. Under Saleh’s leadership, the Jets defense had shown significant improvement, ranking sixth in defensive EPA per play allowed this season. Since Saleh took over in 2021, the Jets had been the top-performing defense in the league, allowing the fewest points per drive.
Saleh had also been instrumental in developing the team’s young defensive talent, reminiscent of the days of Darrelle Revis. Despite facing challenges with the quarterback position, including the transition from Zach Wilson to Aaron Rodgers, Saleh had managed to eke out victories with a mix of signal-callers. His efforts had not gone unnoticed, as he had managed to win seven games with a patchwork quarterback rotation in the previous season.
The decision to remove Saleh from his position had deeper implications, as general manager Joe Douglas was also entering the final year of his contract. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich emerged as a strong candidate for the head coaching job, showcasing his coaching acumen and leadership qualities. Ulbrich’s potential as a head coach was evident, particularly after a potential victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 4, which could have catapulted him to the top of the coaching carousel.
The move to fire Saleh was seen as a politically motivated decision, with Jets owner Woody Johnson making a bold gamble to shift the team’s momentum. Johnson had a history of making drastic changes in leadership, oscillating between different coaching and executive styles in search of success. This latest move highlighted the turbulence within the organization and the pressure to produce results in a competitive league.
While Saleh’s record may not have been stellar, his impact on the team was undeniable. He had instilled a sense of hope and direction within the organization, guiding the Jets to memorable victories and laying the foundation for future success. Despite the challenges he faced, Saleh’s efforts to rebuild the team were commendable, and his departure left many questioning the direction of the franchise.