The New York Jets have officially parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh following a disappointing start to the 2024 season, with the team holding a 2-3 record. In the interim, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step up as head coach, taking charge for the remainder of the season.
Saleh’s Tenure with the Jets
Robert Saleh was appointed as the Jets’ head coach in 2021, compiling a record of 20 wins and 36 losses during his time at the helm, resulting in a winning percentage of .357. This record stands as the worst in the franchise’s history for coaches with a minimum of 40 games coached.
| Coach | Record | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Saleh | 20-36 | .357 |
| Todd Bowles | 24-40 | .375 |
| Bruce Coslet | 26-38 | .406 |
Reasons Behind the Firing Jets Coach
Saleh’s dismissal marks a significant moment in the franchise, as it is the first time in owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure that a coach has been fired mid-season. After finishing last season with a 7-10 record, Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction and demanded significant improvement for the current season.
The Jets began the 2024 season with heightened expectations, especially with the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was coming off an Achilles injury that cut his 2023 season short after just four plays. However, the team has struggled offensively, hindering their overall performance.
Quarterback Instability
One of the critical challenges during Saleh’s tenure has been the instability at the quarterback position. Over the four seasons he coached, the Jets utilized six different quarterbacks, including:
- Zach Wilson (33 games)
- Mike White (7 games)
- Aaron Rodgers (6 games)
- Joe Flacco (5 games)
- Trevor Siemian (3 games)
- Tim Boyle (2 games)
This rotation has contributed to the team’s ongoing offensive struggles, overshadowing the strong defensive performances that have characterized Saleh’s coaching style. Saleh’s first season saw the Jets draft Wilson with the second overall pick, but his performance fell short of expectations, leading to his eventual benching and replacement by Rodgers, who suffered an injury just minutes into the current season.
The Jets will look to regroup under Ulbrich’s leadership as they seek to turn their season around.
FAQs
- Did Robert Saleh ever play football?
Yes, he played college football as a linebacker at Northern Michigan University from 1998 to 2002. Although he was not drafted into the NFL, he later transitioned into coaching. - Does Robert Saleh speak Arabic?
Yes, he is of Lebanese descent and is fluent in Arabic. He has spoken about the importance of his heritage and how it influences his approach to coaching. - Did the Jets fire Robert Saleh?
Yes, the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the 2024 season. His dismissal marks a significant change for the franchise. - Who is Robert Saleh’s wife?
He is married to Eman Saleh. The couple has three children together. Eman is known to support Robert in his coaching career, and they have been together for many years.