The New York Jets announced Tuesday they fired head coach Robert Saleh.
"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," team owner Woody Johnson said in a statement Tuesday morning.
The decision to move on from Saleh - who was under contract through the 2025 season - comes after a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, which dropped New York to 2-3 in 2024.
Saleh went to the Jets' facility to work as usual Tuesday and was notified by Johnson, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB. The team executive later explained in a press conference that New York didn't come close to meeting his 2024 expectations under Saleh.
"This is the best team I've had in 25 years," Johnson said, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.
"The change that I made, I believe, will bring new energy and positivity that will lead to more wins. Starting now," he added, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
This is the first time the Jets have fired a head coach midway through a season during Johnson's 25-year tenure. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Ulbrich has been with New York since 2021.
Saleh admitted Tuesday he was blindsided and disappointed by the decision, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
The 45-year-old posted a 20-36 record across three-plus seasons with the Jets. A former defensive coordinator, Saleh helped turn New York's defense around, with the unit ranking in the top 10 for yards allowed in three straight seasons.
However, Saleh and his staff have struggled to improve the offense. With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Jets rank only 25th in total points. New York started six different QBs during Saleh's tenure. The club traded for Rodgers last year in an attempt to solve its issues under center, but the four-time NFL MVP played only four snaps before sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury.
The Jets did start the 2024 campaign with a 2-1 record, earning consecutive wins over the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots after a season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. New York's offense - coordinated by the oft-criticized Nathaniel Hackett - looked good in the 24-3 victory over the Patriots in Week 3, as it posted 400 total yards. It's the only game this year in which New York topped 300 yards.
The franchise hasn't reached the postseason since 2010 and is only 29-59 since general manager Joe Douglas was hired in 2019.
Johnson said he spoke to Rodgers on Monday night, but the two didn't talk about Saleh, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team owner added that the star QB had no input in the Saleh firing.
Johnson consulted with Douglas before making Tuesday's move but takes full responsibility for the change.
"This was my decision, and mine alone," Johnson explained.
Saleh is the first NFL head coach to be fired five games into a season since the Carolina Panthers dismissed Matt Rhule in 2022, notes Schefter. Entering his third year with the Panthers at the time, Rhule was fired with an 11-27 cumulative record.
It's also the third time in the last 10 years that an NFL sideline boss has been fired after a loss in London after Dennis Allen (Oakland Raiders) and Joe Philbin (Miami Dolphins), according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
With Ulbrich on the sideline, the Jets play the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
"He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team," Johnson said of Ulbrich. "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."
