Jets Fire Head Coach Robert Saleh After 2-3 Start to the Season, AP Source Says
Dramatic Move Comes amid NFL’s Longest Playoff Drought
The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after the team’s 2-3 start in his fourth season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
Saleh was 20-36 as coach of the Jets, who are trying to snap the NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 13 seasons.
ULBRICH TAKES OVER AS INTERIM HEAD COACH
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will act as the interim coach, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the Jets hadn’t announced Saleh’s firing. Ulbrich, a 47-year-old ex-linebacker, joins the Jets in 2021 as part of Saleh’s initial staff after spending six seasons as assistant with Atlanta.
UNEXPECTED MOVE A DAY AFTER SALEH EXPRESSSED CONFIDENCE IN TEAM
The surprising move came a day after Saleh said he was confident quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Jets would be able to turn things around after losing two straight, including falling 23-17 to undefeated Minnesota on Sunday in London.
JETS’ OWNER WOODY JOHNSON MAKING HISTORY
It is the first time in owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure that a head coach has been fired during the season, a testament to the shocking nature of the decision. The Jets face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) on Monday night, with Ulbrich stepping in as the new temporary head coach.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The immediate future of the Jets seems uncertain, with the playoff drought looming large. Although Saleh remained optimistic and confident in the team only a day prior, something changed in Johnson’s estimation. The search for Saleh’s permanent replacement already begins, amidst the intrigue and speculation.
CONCLUSION
In a seismic shift, Robert Saleh’s tenure with the Jets has come to an unexpected end. Despite his consistent efforts, Saleh finds himself out of a job, and Ulbrich takes the reins as acting head coach. The long-standing playoff drought hangs, a constant reminder of what lies ahead.
FAQS
Saleh was fired after the 2-3 start of the season, with Woody Johnson making a change ahead of the next game on Monday night.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will act as the interim coach, following Saleh’s departure.