The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the 2023 season, following a 20-36 overall record in three-and-a-half seasons at the helm.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson announced the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, citing the team's disappointing start to the 2023 season and overall underwhelming performance under his leadership.
The Jets' decision to fire Saleh came after back-to-back losses, including a disheartening defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, led by former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, in London. The team's lackluster offense failed to improve despite a better performance than in the previous week's loss to the Denver Broncos.
Jets Part Ways with Head Coach Robert Saleh After Season-Opening Struggles
In a statement released by the team, Johnson expressed his gratitude for Saleh's hard work but noted that the Jets had not met expectations under his guidance. "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," Johnson said.
Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who last played for the team in 2016, posted a cryptic video on social media following the news of Saleh's firing. The video showed the controversial moment when Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared to reject Saleh's embrace after the Jets' Week 3 victory over the New England Patriots.
Jets Part Ways with Head Coach Robert Saleh After Season-Opening Struggles
The Rodgers-Saleh incident sparked speculation of a fractured relationship between the two, but both men quickly dismissed such claims. Rodgers explained that he was not a "big hugger" and that he had been reminding Saleh of the importance of maintaining a two-score lead. Saleh confirmed this, adding that he had not expected a hug from Rodgers.
Another issue raised in the wake of Saleh's firing was the team's cadence problems. Rodgers spoke out against rumors of a feud with Saleh, emphasizing their strong relationship.
Jets Part Ways with Head Coach Robert Saleh After Season-Opening Struggles
Johnson revealed that he had spoken with Rodgers on Monday but denied that Rodgers had any influence on the decision to fire Saleh. "At the end of the day, this was my decision and my decision alone," Johnson said.
Despite Johnson's denial, there remains speculation that Rodgers may have played a role in Saleh's departure. Some believe that Rodgers' unhappiness with the team's performance and potential for an acrimonious relationship with Saleh could have contributed to the decision.
Jets Part Ways with Head Coach Robert Saleh After Season-Opening Struggles
With Saleh's firing, the Jets will now begin the search for a new head coach. The team is expected to consider both internal and external candidates, as they look to turn around their fortunes and compete for a playoff berth.
During his three-and-a-half seasons at the helm, Saleh led the Jets to a 20-36 record, including a 6-10 mark in 2022. The team failed to make the playoffs under his leadership and struggled to establish a consistent identity on either side of the ball.
