New York — Head coach Robert Saleh, a supposedly super-beloved leader who has been touted as one of the more talented defensive masterminds, has parted ways with the New York Jets, according to the team’s Wednesday decision. The move leaves many in stunned disbelief since Saleh was heralded as carrying the highest expectations from this team into the 2024 NFL season.
The final nail was the 38-10 blowout loss to open the Jets’ season, which convinced the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, and general manager, Joe Douglas, that the lack of progress under Saleh meant it was time for a change. In a statement, Johnson expressed gratitude toward Saleh for his efforts but cited the need for a change in direction for the organization.
“He tried to lead his team and coach it according to the principles, but results on the field did not meet our expectations till now,” Johnson said about the decision. “We believe this is in the best interest of the team moving forward.”
The embattled coach was hired in 2021 by the moribund franchise to save it, build a culture of discipline and defense, and give the defensive unit an identity.
However, inconsistencies still plague him on both sides of the ball, especially with quarterback play and general incongruity from the rest of the team during his tenure there. So although some aspects were indeed fabulous, like the emergence of several young defensive stars, they closed out 2021 and 2022 with losing records. Early 2024 signs did not look any different, as another horrible season awaited the Jets.
Though the Jets’ offense, led by new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, did not take flight in an opening night loss, many fans and analysts were left to ponder if Saleh was the right driver to take the team to victory. Under pressure to win with this highly competitive and formidable AFC East division, the Jets’ front office seemed willing to make a coaching change sooner than wait for that midseason turnaround.
This is a very rare NFL moment, releasing a player so early in an ongoing season. But for the Jets’ management, what is at stake is undoubtedly end-of-life: besides the potential for other motivations on the matter, the team still possesses some bright sites for a good season. Yet still, the team has not named the first interim head coach, but word is that Nathaniel Hackett should step in after the firing.
Saleh ends his time with the Jets with a 12-25 record over two-plus seasons.
