The New York Jets have officially dismissed head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing beginning to the season and reported tensions with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The team announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as interim head coach. Saleh’s tenure with the Jets concludes with a record of 20 wins and 26 losses over just over three seasons.
Team owner Woody Johnson released a statement confirming the decision, stating, “This was not an easy choice, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.”
Entering the 2024 season, the Jets had optimistic aspirations with Rodgers returning after a significant leg injury sidelined him for nearly all of 2023. However, they suffered a heavy defeat in their opener against the San Francisco 49ers, followed by victories against the struggling Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. Unfortunately, the team faced back-to-back losses against the Denver Broncos at home and the Minnesota Vikings in London, exacerbating frustrations.
There have been growing concerns regarding a rift between Rodgers and Saleh. During the loss to Denver, the Jets recorded five false start penalties, with Saleh suggesting they might be due to Rodgers’ complex pre-snap signals. Additionally, after scoring a touchdown against New England, Rodgers seemed to reject a hug attempt from Saleh.
Upon his hiring, Saleh was noted for becoming the first Muslim head coach in NFL history. Reports indicate that he was escorted from team headquarters by security, prompting comments from various figures. The Council on American Islamic Relations commended Saleh for his historic role but expressed concern about the implications of his sudden exit.
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman criticized the decision, suggesting that Saleh received unfair treatment and attributed the team’s struggles to other factors, including Rodgers’ performance and former quarterback Zach Wilson. He further speculated whether Saleh’s Lebanese heritage played a role in the team’s decision.
Saleh, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, is the third coach within the last decade to be dismissed after a loss in London. Other coaches who faced similar fates include Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders and Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins.