NFL

Jets fire coach Saleh after starting season 2-3

By Sports Desk October 08, 2024

The New York Jets have seen enough of Robert Saleh as coach of the team.

The Jets decided to fire Saleh on Tuesday after the team opened the 2024 season 2-3.

Saleh, 45, took over as coach of the Jets in 2021, and went 20-36 in his three-plus seasons at the helm.

He will be replaced by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who will serve as the interim coach.

This is the first time Woody Johnson has fired a coach mid-season during his 25 years as the team's owner.

 

The decision to fire Saleh came two days after the Jets managed just 254 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

New York has scored two offensive touchdowns in its last two games and has been held to fewer than 275 yards in four of five games this season.

Aaron Rodgers has struggled early in his return from a torn left Achilles tendon, and it's been reported Saleh had a rocky relationship with the veteran quarterback.

Saleh took issue with Rodgers' cadence following a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, and in New York's win over the New England Patriots in Week 3, Saleh attempted to give Rodgers a hug on the side-line, but the 40-year-old QB appeared to push him away.

The Jets, who have the NFL's longest active play-off drought at 13 seasons, next play Monday at home against the Bills, and they can move into a tie with Buffalo atop the AFC East with a win.

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