Robert Saleh Fired as Head Coach of New York Jets; Jeff Ulbrich Named Interim Coach

The New York Jets made a stunning midseason coaching change on Tuesday morning, firing head coach Robert Saleh after a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2024 season. In a bold move, Jets owner Woody Johnson announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich would take over as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Johnson, who has owned the Jets for 25 years, said the decision to part ways with Saleh was his and his alone, citing underperformance and high expectations as key factors. “This is probably the best team I’ve had in 25 years,” Johnson said in a press conference, noting the Jets’ inability to meet their playoff aspirations. “I just felt that the best way to go forward was a new direction.”

Robert Saleh, who had been the head coach of the Jets since 2021, finishes his tenure with a 20-36 record and no playoff appearances. Despite leading a top-tier defense under his leadership, Saleh was unable to stabilize the Jets’ ongoing quarterback issues, which ultimately led to his downfall. The 13-year playoff drought remains the longest in the NFL.

Saleh’s time in New York was plagued by instability at the quarterback position. Over his three-plus seasons, the Jets started six different quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, and the recently acquired Aaron Rodgers, whose tenure has also been marked by injuries and inconsistent play. Despite having one of the league’s best defenses, including standout players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the offense under Saleh failed to perform to expectations.

In 2023, the Jets made a splash by trading for Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, in hopes of elevating the team to Super Bowl contention. However, Rodgers’ torn Achilles early in the 2023 season derailed those plans, leaving the Jets’ offense in shambles. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, brought in specifically to work with Rodgers, has also struggled, with the Jets’ offense ranking among the worst in the NFL this season.

Sources say that tensions between Saleh and Rodgers contributed to the decision, though Johnson downplayed the quarterback’s involvement in the coaching change. Saleh had reportedly fined Rodgers earlier this season for missing mandatory minicamp, fueling speculation of a rift. Both men publicly denied friction, but Rodgers’ inconsistent performances and apparent frustrations became a growing narrative throughout the season.

Jeff Ulbrich, a former 49ers linebacker and disciple of Pete Carroll, has been with the Jets since 2021, when he was hired by Saleh to be the team’s defensive coordinator. Ulbrich’s defense has consistently ranked among the top five in the league, and his energetic leadership style has earned him the respect of players and coaches alike. However, he has no previous head coaching experience, and stepping into this high-pressure situation will be a challenge for the 47-year-old.

Ulbrich acknowledged the “craziness” of the day in a media call, adding, “It’s time to lock arms. We believe in this team and the process, and we’ll do everything to turn it around.” He faces a critical test in his first game as head coach when the Jets take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Despite the chaos, the Jets are still just one game behind the Bills for first place in the AFC East.

Woody Johnson made it clear that this coaching change was not solely based on the Jets’ last two losses. He had been considering a move for some time, feeling the team was underperforming despite having the talent to compete at the highest levels. “We’ve been underperforming for whatever reason, and we’re going to take a hard look at all of it,” Johnson said.

The firing of Robert Saleh marks the first in-season coaching change for the Jets in over two decades, signaling the urgency with which Johnson views this season. With Ulbrich at the helm, Johnson hopes the team can still salvage its playoff hopes. Ulbrich, known for his positive outlook and defensive acumen, may have the chance to prove himself as a candidate for the permanent head coaching position if he can right the ship in the coming weeks.

Saleh, who became the NFL’s first Muslim head coach in 2021, leaves the Jets after making history but falling short of expectations. His tenure was marked by immense pressure to win, particularly after the high-profile acquisition of Rodgers and the development of a talented young roster. Saleh’s inability to stabilize the offense, however, ultimately cost him his job.