The New York Jets are initiating a change following a narrow defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, as confirmed by a statement from the organization regarding head coach Robert Saleh’s dismissal.
Peter Schrager reports that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as interim head coach. He takes the reins of a Jets team that has opened their season with a 2-3 record.
“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,” owner Woody Johnson stated. “I expressed my gratitude for his dedication over the past three-and-a-half years and wished him well in the future.”
“This was not an easy choice, but our performance has not met the expectations we hold, and I believe now is the right moment for us to pursue a different path,” Johnson added.
“Jeff Ulbrich will step in as our Interim Head Coach for the rest of the season,” Johnson continued. “He is a resilient coach who commands respect from both the coaching staff and players. I have faith that he and the existing coaches can maximize our talented roster and achieve the goals we set out this offseason.”
Saleh took on the head coach role for the New York Jets after a successful period as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he was part of a team that reached Super Bowl LIV, ultimately falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.
After signing a five-year contract, Saleh’s debut season with the Jets in 2021 ended with a 4-13 record, following the selection of quarterback Zach Wilson as the second overall pick. The following year saw a slight improvement, finishing the season at 7-10.
The 2023 season began with high hopes in New York and New Jersey, fueled by the Jets’ acquisition of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, poised to lead the enhanced offense and compete for a playoff berth.
However, the season effectively ended before it began, as Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury during the first game and was sidelined for the remainder of the year. The Jets subsequently relied on Wilson and Tim Boyle to divide quarterback duties, leading to another 7-10 finish.
With Rodgers back for his fourth year under Saleh, the season started but was full of challenges. The Jets managed wins against the Titans and Patriots, but setbacks against the 49ers and Broncos left them at a 2-2 mark ahead of their London clash with the Vikings.
In a 23-17 loss to Minnesota last weekend, the Jets defense performed admirably, limiting Sam Darnold to just 179 yards and one interception. Still, the offense faltered, with Rodgers throwing three interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown by Andrew Van Ginkel—and the rushing game mustering only 36 yards.
This season, frustrations within the organization have been palpable. Following the defeat to the Vikings, Quincy Williams remarked, “People gotta start taking accountability.” This came on the heels of Rodgers and Saleh appearing to exchange critical comments during press conferences after the loss to the Broncos.
