The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing start to the 2024 NFL season, the team announced on Tuesday. After losing three of their first five games, the Jets, who entered the season with high hopes of a deep playoff run, decided to make a major leadership change.
Robert Saleh, who took over the Jets’ coaching reins in 2021 after serving as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, leaves with an overall record of 20-36. Despite hopes that he would revive a struggling franchise, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of his three seasons at the helm.
The decision to move on from Robert Saleh comes amid growing frustration in New York. The Jets were banking on the return of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lead them to success. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, rejoined the team this year after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury suffered in the 2023 opener. His presence had raised expectations for a playoff push, but the early-season struggles have derailed those ambitions.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson in a statement. “Given the talent on our roster and our lofty goals, we’re simply not where we need to be. I believe now is the time for a change in direction.”
Robert Saleh’s firing marks just the third time in Jets history that a head coach has been dismissed during the season. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach and will lead the team for the remainder of the year.
The Jets’ rollercoaster season began with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, followed by victories over the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. However, back-to-back defeats against the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings sealed Saleh’s fate.
Now, the Jets face a critical AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills (3-2) on Monday night, a game that could set the tone for the remainder of their season under new leadership. The Jets currently sit at 2-3, and fans are eager to see if the coaching change will ignite a turnaround.
