New York Jets Dismiss Coach Robert Saleh Mid-Season

Robert Saleh’s tenure as New York Jets Coach Comes to an Abrupt End

Reported on October 8, 2024, the New York Jets have parted ways with their head coach, Robert Saleh, following a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. In the wake of Saleh’s exit, the reins of the team have been handed over to Jeff Ulbrich, the defensive coordinator, in an interim capacity

Saleh’s Record as the Jets Head Coach

Since his appointment in 2021, Saleh has managed a 20-36 win-loss record as the Jets’ coach. His tenure has seen the lowest winning percentage (.357) in the history of the franchise amongst coaches who have presided over at least 40 games.

Owner Woody Johnson’s First Mid-Season Coach Dismissal

This marks the first occasion in the 25-year stewardship of owner Woody Johnson that the Jets have ended a coach’s contract in the middle of a season. Johnson, who expressed his dissatisfaction after last season’s 7-10 ending, raised the bar for Saleh, demanding notable progress.

Saleh Joins List of NFL Coaches Fired After London Game

Saleh is now the third NFL coach to be shown the exit door following a defeat in London. The Raiders parted ways with coach Dennis Allen in 2014, after a 38-14 defeat to the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium. The Dolphins also gave coach Joe Philbin his marching orders in 2015, following a 27-14 loss to the Jets at the same venue.

Saleh’s Firing Follows Jets’ Loss to Minnesota Vikings

The decision to fire Saleh comes two days subsequent to the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 2024 season, which saw the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from an Achilles injury that thwarted his 2023 season after merely four plays, began with high hopes for the Jets. However, their offensive play has been underwhelming.

Quarterback Instability During Saleh’s Tenure

Saleh’s stint with the Jets was characterized by a shaky quarterback situation, with six different quarterbacks seen in action in his four seasons: Zach Wilson (33 games), Mike White (7), Rodgers (6), Joe Flacco (5), Trevor Siemian (3), and Tim Boyle (2). The team’s strong defense was overshadowed by the weak offensive performance, largely attributable to the inconsistency in the quarterback position. In his inaugural season, the Jets drafted Wilson as the No. 2 pick, but his performance was subpar, leading to his replacement by Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tear in the fourth snap of the season.