Robert Saleh out as Jets head coach

After two consecutive losses and a 2-3 start to the season, the Jets relieved head coach Robert Saleh of his duties on Tuesday morning. Credit: Newsday

By Al Iannazzoneal.iannazzone@newsday.com Al_IannazzoneUpdated October 8, 2024

Robert Saleh vowed to lead the Jets to championships when he was hired in 2021. Woody Johnson let Saleh go on Tuesday, believing he was no longer the right man to guide the Jets to a playoff berth.

Johnson said it was his decision alone to dismiss Saleh with the Jets off to a 2-3 start. The Jets owner informed Saleh on Tuesday morning. Saleh was 20-36 in three-plus years as coach. This is the first time in Johnson’s 25 years as Jets owner that he has fired a coach in-season.

“This is probably the best team I’ve had in 25 years,” Johnson said on a conference call. “I just felt that the best way to go forward was a new direction. The change that we made today, that I made, I believe will bring new energy and positivity that will lead to more wins starting now.”

It was stunning news considering the timing of it. Coaches aren’t often fired five weeks into the season. Johnson appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich the interim coach for the remainder of the season. Ulbrich will lead the Jets in their Monday night game against Buffalo.

“The team can do better,” said Johnson, who never mentioned Saleh during his 13-minute call with reporters. “As we have this new leadership, I think that’s going to bring out the best in these players. I really do. I feel confident that that’s going to happen.

“It’s a new day for the team and it’s a new day that’s welcome. As the team realizes what opportunity this is for them, I think they’re going to go to a level that we haven’t seen in a while.”

Johnson said he spoke to general manager Joe Douglas, but it was totally his call. Johnson also said Aaron Rodgers didn’t have any input. Saleh had one year remaining on his contract

“This was my decision and my decision alone,” Johnson said.

Coming into the season, expectations were high that the Jets would snap their 13-year playoff drought and contend for a Super Bowl. They have not played like a contender.

The Jets have struggled moving the football and scoring points, which have constants under Saleh. His defense has been one of the top units in the NFL. But the Jets have looked unprepared and uninspiring the last two games.

They trailed 17-0 to Minnesota on Sunday in London. The Jets lost 23-17 after Rodgers’ third interception of the game deep in Minnesota territory with 44 seconds left. Johnson said it was more than those two games that led to the move.

“It’s a longer time frame,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a couple of years to think about this. I just think we can do better.”

Saleh was a popular hire in 2021. The former fiery defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers replaced Adam Gase following a 2-14 season. The Jets never won more than seven games under Saleh. His 35.7 winning percentage is the lowest in Jets’ history for coaches who have coached more than 50 games.

Poor quarterback play permeated Saleh’s tenure. The Jets drafted Zach Wilson in 2021. He was a bust. They traded him in the offseason. The Jets have had eight quarterbacks under Saleh.

Rodgers was supposed to help stabilize the Jets. He tore his left Achilles tendon in Week 1 last year. It was a tumultuous and drama-filled season that could have led to Saleh’s ouster, but Johnson gave him a stay of execution following Rodgers’ injury.

There had been reports of Johnson and Saleh getting into an argument at the owners meetings in the spring. It fueled further speculation that Saleh would not have a long leash this season.

The offense has been the real issue. The Jets have scored just two touchdowns in their last 29 series.

Ulbrich acknowledged the Jets “have been underperforming.” He said he didn’t foresee any changes on the staff, but he would evaluate responsibilities. Passing game coordinator Todd Downing could take over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as early as this week.

“We’re not playing to our potential,” Ulbrich said. “We’re not. We’re too talented to be putting the product we put out there the last couple of weeks, especially. We’ve got to take a hard look at everything and be honest with ourselves.”

Ulbrich played 10 seasons as a linebacker with the 49ers and is in his 12th year coaching in the NFL. He was the Falcons assistant head coach in 2020. Saleh hired Ulbrich in 2021 to be his defensive coordinator.

The Jets were a top five defense the past two seasons and are currently No. 2 in total defense and No. 5 in points allowed this season.

Ulbrich is excited for the opportunity. He also felt “sadness and frustration” over Saleh losing his job.

“Ultimately, his firing is on all of our hands,” Ulbrich said. “We’ve got to do a better job. We do, collectively.”

Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel are possible candidates to be the Jets’ next coach if Ulbrich isn’t retained after the season. Other include Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Detroit defensive coordinator and ex-Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn.

“I’ve had enough experience doing these things. It’s the first time I’ve done it this early,” Johnson said. “I thought and think that this will help this talented team reach the goals that the team wants and I want and the fans want.”