The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing start to the season and reported tensions with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The team has appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach.
Owner Woody Johnson announced the decision, stating, “This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as Head Coach of the Jets. This was not an easy decision 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.”
The Jets began the season with optimism as Rodgers returned after missing most of the previous year due to a leg injury. However, they suffered a heavy defeat in their opener against the San Francisco 49ers, followed by victories over the struggling Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots. Recent weeks have seen the team endure frustrating losses to the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings.
In addition to the team’s poor performance, there were signs of discord between Rodgers and Saleh. The Jets recorded five false start penalties in their loss to the Broncos, prompting Saleh to link them to Rodgers’ unique cadence. An incident during the game against the Patriots also raised eyebrows when Rodgers appeared to reject Saleh’s attempt at a celebratory hug.
Saleh, who made history as the first Muslim head coach in the NFL, left the team’s facility escorted by security, which has sparked discussions regarding the nature of his departure. The Council on American Islamic Relations praised Saleh’s historic role but expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding his firing.
Political figures like Rep. Jamaal Bowman criticized the decision, suggesting that Rodgers, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, the front office, and former quarterback Zach Wilson were more to blame for the team’s struggles. Bowman also speculated that Saleh’s embrace of his Lebanese heritage might have influenced the decision, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions.
Saleh, who is 45 years old, joined the Jets after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. He is the latest in a line of coaches fired after losses in London, following Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders and Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins in previous years.