The New York Jets have decided to make a coaching change just five games into the 2024 season, with the team reportedly firing head coach Robert Saleh.
The news comes from several reports. Saleh was 20-36 over his three-plus seasons at the helm, including a 2-3 record through five games in 2024. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as the interim coach.
The move is surprising because of the timing, but it's not entirely shocking. After all, the Jets have been underperforming so far this year and Saleh had a sub-.400 win percentage over 56 games.
There also seemed to be a strain between he and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted. Saleh and Rodgers shared an awkward exchange in Week 3 when Saleh tried to embrace Rodgers following a touchdown before the quarterback tried to push him away..
ESPN sources: Jets fired HC Robert Saleh.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2024
While no Jets fans are going to cry for Saleh's departure, it is fair to point out that he had a terrible situation under center over his first three seasons.
After the Zach Wilson experiment failed miserably, the team brought in Rodgers, but he tore his Achilles in Week 1 last season, forcing the team to go back to Wilson, who was not good once again.
But there was no excuse this season. Rodgers is back healthy and the Jets are still just 2-3 after having lost each of their last two games. The Jets needed to do something, and firing Saleh was the move.
The Jets will now look to right the ship and get back to .500 in a Week 6 tilt against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
