The New York Jets have made a shocking move, parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh just five games into the 2024 season. According to sources, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take the reins as interim head coach. Saleh’s tenure was marked by inconsistency, with a dismal 20-36 record since taking the helm in 2021.
Saleh’s.357 winning percentage is the lowest in Jets franchise history among coaches with at least 40 games under their belt. His departure marks a first for owner Woody Johnson, who has never fired a coach mid-season during his 25-year tenure.
The writing was on the wall after last season’s 7-10 finish, which left Johnson fuming. He demanded significant improvement, but the team’s struggles continued. The Jets entered the 2024 season with high hopes, buoyed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ return from injury. However, they stumbled out of the gate, with quarterback instability plaguing the team.
During Saleh’s four-year tenure, the Jets started an astonishing six different quarterbacks: Zach Wilson, Mike White, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle. The team’s offense struggled mightily, while the defense showed flashes of brilliance.
Saleh becomes the third NFL coach to be fired after losing a game in London, following in the footsteps of Dennis Allen and Joe Philbin. His departure comes just two days after the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Leave a Reply