The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2024 season. Team owner Woody Johnson announced the decision on Tuesday, citing the team’s failure to meet expectations.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as the interim head coach for the rest of the season. Johnson explained, “It wasn’t an easy choice, but we’re not where we should be. I believe now is the right time to make a change.”
Saleh, who was hired in 2021, finished his time with the Jets holding a 20-36 record, the lowest win rate (.357) for any Jets coach with at least 40 games. His time with the team was marked by a strong defense but a struggling offense, largely due to issues at the quarterback position. Over four seasons, the Jets started six different quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco.
Expectations were high going into the 2024 season, with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury that had cut short his previous season. However, the Jets continued to struggle, leading to Saleh’s dismissal.
This firing marks the first time in Woody Johnson’s 25 years as owner that he has let a coach go mid-season. The decision came two days after the Jets lost 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Saleh had expressed optimism about turning things around, but the team’s recent performances did not show enough improvement. As Jeff Ulbrich takes over, the Jets hope to turn the season around and reach their goals.