The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This decision came just two days after the team’s 23-17 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Jets have confirmed the firing.
Jeff Ulbrich, who has served as the team’s defensive coordinator since Saleh’s arrival in 2021, will take over as interim head coach. Ulbrich, 47, is expected to lead the Jets for the remainder of the season.
In a statement, team owner Woody Johnson expressed his gratitude towards Saleh for his dedication over the past three and a half years, noting that this decision was difficult but necessary. Johnson emphasized the team’s underperformance relative to expectations and expressed confidence in Ulbrich’s ability to maximize the team’s potential.
Saleh leaves the Jets after compiling a record of 20-36 during his tenure, failing to achieve a winning season, with records of 4-13 in 2021, 7-10 in 2022, and 2-3 so far this year. The Jets find themselves just one game shy of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East as they prepare for a Monday Night Football game soon.
Despite Saleh having a year remaining on his contract, the Jets chose to make a change after consecutive losses and an uneven start to quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ time with the team. Rodgers has recorded seven touchdowns and four interceptions in the first five weeks, posting the lowest passer rating of his career at 81.6.
Even with a strong defense that ranked among the top five in the league in yardage for the past three seasons, the Jets struggled to establish consistent quarterback play under Saleh, utilizing six different quarterbacks during his tenure. Following their matchup against the Bills, the Jets will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in an away game on Sunday Night Football.