Life looks a lot different for Robert Saleh after his departure from the New York Jets. Following his firing, Saleh was recently spotted going about a more low-key, “normal” routine in New Jersey, marking one of his first public appearances since stepping away from the NFL spotlight.
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets ended after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. Despite high hopes for the team, things were not progressing as expected, leading to his release. While some point to the team’s poor performance, there’s also speculation that his dismissal may have been influenced by non-football matters.
One theory circulating suggests that Jets owner Woody Johnson relieved Saleh of his duties after he wore a Lebanon flag patch on his sleeve, a gesture that seemed to stir controversy. However, the official reason for his firing remains tied to the team’s lackluster performance.
Now, with his coaching days behind him, at least for the moment, Saleh appears to be taking some time to adjust to life away from the NFL. He’s staying close to where he used to coach, perhaps embracing a slower pace as he contemplates his next move.
In a rare public sighting, Saleh was seen shopping at a local Whole Foods on Tuesday, dressed casually in a gray hoodie, jeans, and white sneakers. The 45-year-old looked like any other shopper as he picked up groceries, far removed from the high-pressure sidelines of an NFL game.
When approached by a photographer, Saleh was gracious enough to answer a few questions. Asked if he planned to return to an NFL sideline anytime soon, Saleh responded earnestly, saying, “God willing,” before driving off in a black SUV. It was a brief but sincere acknowledgment that his future in the league remains uncertain, though he hasn’t ruled out a comeback.
RELATED: Robert Saleh ‘Not Fired Over Lebanon Flag’ Despite Jets Coach Stirring Major Controversy
The photographer also asked Saleh what he was doing now that he was no longer tied to the rigors of NFL coaching. Saleh humorously replied, “living the dream,” a comment that may have been laced with irony, given the stark contrast between his current lifestyle and his once-coveted role as an NFL head coach.
For Saleh, the chance to lead the Jets was the culmination of years of hard work, following a successful run as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he earned a reputation for his leadership and defensive prowess.
Despite the abrupt end to his head coaching stint, Saleh’s passion for the game and his desire to return to the NFL seem to remain intact.
For now, he’s adjusting to life outside the fast-paced world of professional football, perhaps reflecting on what went wrong and preparing for whatever opportunities the future might bring.
Whether or not “living the dream” includes a return to coaching remains to be seen, but Saleh seems content with his current chapter as he navigates life beyond the NFL.