The Phinsider
Robert Saleh becomes the first New York Jets’ head coach to get fired mid-season.
Sweeping changes are coming for one of the Dolphins' most historic rivals, as the New York Jets made a shocking announcement earlier today, parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news, which was later confirmed in a statement from Jets' owner Woody Johnson.
"This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the head coach of the Jets. I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward," Johnson said in a statement earlier today.
During his tenure with the Jets, Saleh led the team to a 20-36 record. Currently, New York sits at 2-3 in the AFC East and is tied with the Dolphins for second place. But with a primetime matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills set for Monday Night, Johnson thought the time was now to make a move.
“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.”
With Saleh out, the Jets will promote defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to head coach. Ulbrich, a former third-round pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, played ten seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. He would join the Jets in 2021 as the team’s defensive coordinator. Before the Jets, Ulbrich had stops with the Seattle Seahawks, UCLA Bruins, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Here’s what Jets’ owner Woody Johnson had to say about Ulbrich:
“Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason.”
As for Saleh, he will likely land on his feet as a defensive coordinator in 2025. He will need to work his way back up before becoming a head coach again. However, if the Dolphins wanted to take their defense to the next level — and do what so many teams have done before — maybe, just maybe, we’ll see Saleh in Miami. With a fancy title of defensive consultant or advisor or something like that... I’d like that.
What are your thoughts on the New York Jets firing head coach Robert Saleh heading into Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season? Do you think this is what the Jets need to turn their season around? Would you be interested in Robert Saleh in Miami? Let us know in the comments section below!
