In a significant shakeup, the New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh after a rough start to the 2024 NFL season. The team announced Saleh’s dismissal on Tuesday following a 2-3 record, most recently marked by a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday.
Saleh, who was hired in 2021, compiled a 20-36 record during his tenure with the Jets and failed to secure a playoff appearance in his three-plus seasons. His firing makes him the first NFL head coach to be let go this season.
“This is not a decision we take lightly,” Jets chairman Woody Johnson said in an official statement. “Unfortunately, the team’s performance has not lived up to our expectations. We believe now is the right time to make a change and move in a different direction.”
High Hopes but Unfulfilled Potential
Robert Saleh, a product of the San Francisco 49ers coaching tree under head coach Kyle Shanahan, was seen as a promising hire when he was named the Jets’ head coach. As the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, he had helped lead a formidable defense that reached the Super Bowl in 2019. Saleh also made history by becoming the first Muslim American and third Arab American to head an NFL team.
Despite the promise, Saleh inherited a tough situation in New York, particularly with an unstable quarterback position that became a recurring issue throughout his time with the Jets. His first season in 2021 ended with a disappointing 4-13 record. Although the team struggled, it was one of the youngest rosters in the league, with rookies leading in passing, rushing, and receiving yards—something that had only happened once before in NFL history since the AFL-NFL merger.
The following year, in 2022, the Jets showed signs of improvement, finishing the season with a 7-10 record. Rookie stars Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner emerged as standout players, with both receiving Rookie of the Year honors on offense and defense, respectively. However, the team’s struggles at quarterback persisted. Zach Wilson, selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, failed to live up to expectations and was frequently benched in favor of backup quarterbacks like Mike White and Joe Flacco.
The Aaron Rodgers Era That Wasn’t
Saleh and the Jets entered the 2023 season with a fresh sense of optimism after acquiring four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers. Expectations were sky-high for a deep playoff run, but the dream was cut short almost immediately when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four snaps into his debut with the Jets.
With Rodgers sidelined, Zach Wilson was thrust back into the starting role, but he once again struggled to stabilize the offense. Despite strong performances from the defense—Saleh’s specialty—the team finished the 2023 season with another 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the third straight year under Saleh’s leadership.
The defensive unit, which consistently ranked among the league’s best, provided hope, finishing fourth and third in the NFL in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Yet, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Jets’ offensive woes and inconsistent quarterback play.
A Crucial 2024 Season Ends Early for Saleh
Heading into the 2024 season, Robert Saleh was well aware that his job was on the line. Expectations in New York were at an all-time high, with a fully recovered Aaron Rodgers expected to return to lead the offense. However, the Jets once again stumbled out of the gate, posting a 2-3 record through five games.
After the disappointing loss to the Vikings, which was part of the NFL’s International Series in London, the Jets organization decided it was time for a change. The combination of underwhelming offensive performances and missed playoff opportunities ultimately sealed Saleh’s fate.
A New Interim Coach to Lead the Jets
Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Ulbrich, known for his no-nonsense approach and leadership qualities, is expected to maintain the strong defensive play that has been a hallmark of Saleh’s tenure.
“Woody Johnson remarked, ‘Jeff is a respected coach who possesses a deep understanding of this team.’ “We believe he, along with the other coaches on staff, can get the best out of this talented group and guide us toward achieving our goals for this season.”
The Jets face a critical divisional matchup next week against the 3-2 Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. As the team seeks to rebound from its slow start, all eyes will be on Ulbrich and the remaining coaching staff to see if they can salvage what was once a promising season.
For now, the New York Jets look toward a new chapter, hoping that the mid-season coaching change will provide the spark they need to get back on track and compete for a playoff spot.