The New York Jets have reportedly fired head coach Robert Saleh, according to sources within ESPN. This decision comes after a string of disappointing performances during the 2024 season, as the Jets have failed to live up to preseason expectations. Saleh’s dismissal marks a significant shift for a team that had high hopes of turning the corner under his leadership.
Saleh, who was hired by the Jets in 2021, was brought in with a reputation as a defensive mastermind after a successful stint as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. His energy, leadership, and defensive prowess were seen as the ideal qualities to rebuild a Jets franchise that had been mired in mediocrity for years. However, despite some early optimism, Saleh’s tenure with the Jets has been marked by inconsistency, missed opportunities, and an underperforming roster that has struggled to compete in the highly competitive AFC East.
Entering the 2024 season, expectations were sky-high for the Jets, largely due to their acquisition of four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The addition of Rodgers was supposed to be the catalyst for the Jets to make a deep playoff run and end their long postseason drought. But Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 put an immediate damper on those aspirations. Without their star quarterback, the Jets turned to backup Zach Wilson, but the offense has sputtered, and the team has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
Through the first half of the season, the Jets failed to string together meaningful wins, and reports began surfacing that frustration was growing within the locker room. Saleh, who had previously been praised for his ability to connect with players and create a positive culture, seemed to be losing the confidence of his team. Close losses, questionable coaching decisions, and an inability to adjust on both offense and defense led to increasing pressure on the head coach.
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Sources close to the organization revealed that the Jets’ front office had been weighing the decision to part ways with Saleh for several weeks. The team’s inability to capitalize on key moments and a lack of offensive development under his leadership were major factors in the decision. Despite having one of the league’s better defenses on paper, the Jets’ offense has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in production, leading to mounting frustration from fans and ownership alike.
Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Joe Douglas were reportedly involved in discussions about the future of the team, and it became clear that a change was necessary to move forward. Saleh’s firing signals the start of yet another coaching search for a franchise that has struggled to find stability at the head coach position for years. Saleh leaves the Jets with a record of 16-36 over his three seasons at the helm.
In a statement, Johnson expressed his gratitude for Saleh’s efforts but emphasized the need for new leadership moving forward. “We appreciate everything Robert Saleh has done for this organization, but we feel that a fresh direction is needed to achieve the success we expect for this team,” the statement read.
The Jets now face the challenge of finding their next head coach, and the search will likely be one of the most scrutinized in recent memory. With a roster that still has talent on both sides of the ball and the potential return of Rodgers next season, the next hire will be tasked with turning the Jets into a legitimate contender.
As the team moves forward, interim head coach duties are expected to fall to a current member of the Jets coaching staff, though no official announcement has been made yet. The front office will likely conduct a thorough search for a long-term replacement, with high-profile candidates expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
For Saleh, this marks a disappointing end to a tenure that began with so much promise. Despite his defensive expertise and the leadership qualities that made him a sought-after head coach, his inability to elevate the Jets offense and lead them to consistent success ultimately sealed his fate. As the Jets move on, Saleh will likely take some time to evaluate his future, with potential opportunities as a defensive coordinator or head coach in another organization down the line.
