A shocking leadership change rocks the New York Jets organization.
According to Daily Mail Online, the New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing 2-3 start to the NFL season.
The decision comes as a surprise, especially considering the return of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to full health. Jets owner Woody Johnson announced the firing on Tuesday, expressing that the team's performance has not met expectations. This marks the first time in Johnson's 25-year ownership that he has dismissed a head coach mid-season.
Saleh, who made history as the NFL's first Muslim-American head coach when hired in 2021, departs with a 20-36 record. His tenure was marked by challenges, including navigating through six different starting quarterbacks during his time with the team.
The news of Saleh's dismissal reportedly caught many Jets players off guard, particularly those on the defensive side of the ball. Saleh arrived at the team's practice facility on Tuesday, unaware of the impending decision, and was later escorted out by security.
Johnson's statement emphasized the difficulty of the decision but stressed the need for a change in direction. The team has appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Ulbrich's elevation to the interim position comes with high expectations from Johnson, who believes the coaching staff can still maximize the team's potential and achieve the goals set for this season.
Saleh's last game with the Jets was not without controversy. During Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in London, he wore a Lebanese flag on his sleeve, sparking debate due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The decision to wear the flag raised eyebrows, particularly given the recent Israeli bombing of Beirut. Saleh, who is of Lebanese heritage, had worn a similar patch in the past, but the timing of this display was seen as particularly sensitive.
In recent weeks, speculation had grown about the relationship between Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite public denials from both parties, rumors of tension persisted.
Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason claimed there was a "major issue" between Rodgers and Saleh, citing observations of their interactions on the sidelines and in press conferences. Esiason suggested that Rodgers might not respect Saleh, drawing parallels to his own experiences with coaches he didn't trust.
The Jets' offensive struggles this season, despite Rodgers' return to full health, likely contributed to the decision to part ways with Saleh. The team's performance fell short of the high expectations set following Rodgers' recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury last year.
The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the NFL season. This surprising mid-season change comes despite the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named interim head coach as the team seeks to salvage its season and meet its goals.
