The New York Jets have dismissed head coach Robert Saleh following a challenging start to the season and reported disagreements between him and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The announcement came on Tuesday, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as the interim head coach.
Team owner Woody Johnson revealed in a statement that the decision to part ways with Saleh was difficult but necessary, citing unmet expectations. Saleh’s tenure included a record of 20 wins and 26 losses over more than three seasons.
Under Saleh’s leadership, the Jets began the 2024 season with optimism, especially with Rodgers returning after missing most of the previous year due to injury. However, the season commenced with a significant loss to the San Francisco 49ers, followed by victories over the struggling Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. Unfortunately, the team’s last two games resulted in disappointing defeats against the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings in London.
There have also been indications of strain between Saleh and Rodgers. Following the loss to Denver, Saleh suggested that the Jets’ five false start penalties might have stemmed from Rodgers’ complex pre-snap cadence. Moreover, in the game against the Patriots, Rodgers seemed to dismiss a congratulatory hug from Saleh after scoring a touchdown.
Saleh made history as the first Muslim head coach in the NFL when he was appointed. Following his firing, the Council on American Islamic Relations issued a statement praising Saleh’s accomplishments while expressing concern over the manner of his dismissal, particularly following reports that team security escorted him from the facility.
U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman criticized the firing, attributing the Jets’ challenges to Rodgers, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, the front office, and former quarterback Zach Wilson. He expressed his belief that Saleh had been unfairly treated.
Saleh, who sported a patch of the Lebanese flag on his gear—a gesture that attracted attention amid recent geopolitical tensions—had previously gained recognition for his accomplishments as a defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers before taking the helm of the Jets.
Advocacy groups have expressed their support for Saleh, emphasizing his groundbreaking role as the first Muslim Arab-American head coach in the NFL, with hopes for his future in coaching.
His dismissal also marks him as the third coach in the last decade to be terminated after a loss in London, joining Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders and Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins.