Jets owner Woody Johnson says he fired Robert Saleh
The New York Jets made a bold and unexpected decision on Tuesday morning, firing head coach Robert Saleh after a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2024 season. Team owner Woody Johnson, in his first midseason coaching change in 25 years, announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as the interim head coach.
Johnson stated that while he had consulted with general manager Joe Douglas, the decision to fire Saleh was entirely his own. He and his brother, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, informed Saleh of the move during a meeting at the team's facility. Sources say Saleh was taken aback by the decision, and security escorted him from the premises in what was described as standard protocol.
Johnson expressed high hopes for the current roster, calling it the best team he's had during his time as owner. "I just felt it was time for a new direction," Johnson said in a call with reporters. "Jeff Ulbrich will give us the best chance to make a playoff push, which is the goal we all share."
Saleh, who was hired in 2021 with the promise of delivering championships, exits with a 20-36 record and no postseason appearances. The Jets have now gone 13 seasons without making the playoffs, the longest current drought in the NFL. Expectations were high this season, largely due to the acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the team has underperformed, especially on offense.
The team's struggles came to a head after a Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos. According to sources, Johnson, along with team president Hymie Elhai, expressed concerns to Saleh in a meeting the next day. The pressure intensified after the Jets suffered a second straight loss, this time to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in London, which sealed Saleh's fate.
"This isn't just about the last two games," Johnson explained. "I've been thinking about this for a while. We've had a couple of years to assess the situation, and I believe we can do better."
Ulbrich, who met with reporters via video conference after the announcement, described the day as "four hours of craziness." He met with the team and emphasized the importance of unity moving forward. "My message to the players was simple: it's time to lock arms," Ulbrich said. He faces critical decisions as the team prepares for its next game against the Buffalo Bills, especially regarding embattled offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. While Ulbrich didn’t confirm whether Hackett would remain in his role, sources indicate that Saleh had been preparing to demote him just before he was fired.
Johnson acknowledged that offensive struggles have been a major concern. He revealed that after last season, he insisted on replacing then-offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur with Hackett, but the results have been disappointing. Rodgers, who tore his Achilles in Week 1, hasn't provided the offensive spark the team had hoped for.
"I decided to make a change at the top because we need to find ways to win," Johnson said. "We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results."
The Jets' ongoing quarterback carousel has also been an issue during Saleh’s tenure. Since 2021, the team has started six different quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle.
Despite the turmoil, the Jets remain just one game behind the AFC East-leading Bills. Ulbrich, who has helped build the Jets' defense into one of the league’s best, brings an optimistic and energetic approach as he takes on his first head-coaching role. A former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, Ulbrich has no previous head-coaching experience but is known for his leadership and passion.
While midseason coaching changes aren’t unheard of in the NFL, the Jets hope this move will give them a spark. The team can look to recent history for inspiration: In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders made the playoffs after promoting Rich Bisaccia midseason following Jon Gruden’s resignation. Johnson, who has employed seven full-time head coaches during his ownership, believes this early change could finally put the team on the path to success.
"I’ve been around long enough to know when something isn’t working," Johnson said. "This is the earliest I’ve made a change, but I believe it will help us achieve the goals we’ve set for this team, and that’s what our fans deserve."
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