New York Jets Dismiss Head Coach Robert Saleh After Disheartening Start to Season
The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, the organization announced on Tuesday. After a lackluster start to the 2024 season, the decision comes on the heels of a 23-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Jets currently hold a 2-3 record.
Saleh departs with a 20-36 regular-season record over three-plus seasons, without a single playoff appearance. He is the first NFL head coach to be dismissed this season. “This was a tough call, but we’re not performing to the level we expect, and I believe this is the right moment to change direction,” stated Jets chairman Woody Johnson.
Saleh, a prominent member of Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree, was hired in 2021 after four seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. His appointment marked a historic moment as he became the NFL’s first Muslim American head coach and the third Arab American to lead an NFL team. However, from the outset, Saleh faced turbulence in New York, with quarterback instability being a defining theme throughout his tenure.
In his first season, Saleh led the Jets to a 4-13 record. Notably, the Jets fielded the youngest roster in the league and became only the second team in NFL history to have rookies lead the team in passing, rushing, and receiving yards in a single season.
The 2022 campaign saw marked improvement, with the Jets finishing at 7-10, thanks in large part to standout performances by rookies Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, who claimed Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, respectively. However, despite the emergence of young talent, Saleh continued to face quarterback woes. Zach Wilson, the highly-touted second overall pick in 2021, struggled in his first two seasons, frequently alternating starts with Mike White and veteran Joe Flacco.
The Jets attempted to solve their quarterback dilemma by acquiring four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023 through a trade with the Green Bay Packers. With high expectations, the season took a devastating turn when Rodgers ruptured his Achilles just four snaps into the opening game.
Forced to revert back to Zach Wilson, the Jets offense faltered, while the defense remained a bright spot, finishing fourth and third in the NFL during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively. Despite the defense’s strong play, the Jets ended the 2023 season with another 7-10 record and missed the playoffs once again.
Entering the 2024 season, Saleh’s job security was in question, with the franchise demanding a postseason berth. Although Rodgers made a swift recovery from injury to return to the field, the team continued to underperform, leading to Saleh’s dismissal.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as interim head coach, Jets chairman Johnson confirmed. “Jeff is a tough, respected coach who has the confidence of both the players and the staff,” said Johnson. “I believe he and our coaching team can maximize the potential of this roster and help us reach the goals we set for this season.”
The Jets will look to regain momentum as they prepare to face the 3-2 Buffalo Bills at home on Monday Night Football.
