New York Jets owner sacked head coach Robert Saleh after brutal conclusion
The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after just five games of the NFL season, with the move coming as a shock to many at the franchise
Robert Saleh has been sacked from his position as head coach of the New York Jets, following franchise owner Woody Johnson’s loss of confidence in his ability to salvage the season.
The Jets announced on Tuesday morning that they had split with Saleh, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
Despite being in a win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers as quarterback, the Jets have had an inconsistent start to the season with a 2-3 record. In his 25 years as owner, Johnson has never dismissed a head coach mid-season.
However, according to SNY, there was a strong belief among senior figures that Saleh wouldn’t be able to turn things around, prompting immediate action. The report also suggests that players and fellow coaches were shocked by the decision.
Saleh arrived at the Jets facility on Tuesday to start preparations for Monday’s primetime game against the Buffalo Bills, only to be informed that he was no longer head coach. All Jets players and coaches reported to the facility on Monday to prepare for the Week 6 clash against the Bills.
A victory over their divisional rivals could put the Jets at the top of the AFC East, but these preparations have now been disrupted.
Saleh acknowledged that the team’s performance could have been better, but it seemed like offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was on the chopping block rather than the head coach. However, a decision was made, and Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed Saleh’s departure in a statement:
“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,” Johnson said. “I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward.
