New York Jets' owner Woody Johnson apparently tried to tell us why without really telling us why.
Johnson sent shockwaves across the NFL landscape on Tuesday morning, surprisingly dismissing head coach Robert Saleh only five weeks into the season. About one hour after the news broke, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom released an official statement through the team's social media channels, and the language used was rather telling.
Johnson was clearly unhappy following back-to-back losses that dropped the Jets to 2-3 overall. It probably didn't help matters that the most recent setback came in a London showcase game against the Jets' former franchise quarterback.
"This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction," said Johnson.
While the Jets likely expected to be 4-1 at this point, the reality is they're only one game out of first place. Surely, the slow start couldn't have been the main motivating factor that forced Johnson to make a move.
It seems as if Johnson concluded that Saleh "lost the team" and players were no longer adequately responding to the head coach. The second paragraph of Johnson's statement suggests as much. Offering a description of interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, Johnson hints that the promoted defensive coordinator exemplifies the characteristics that Saleh was apparently lacking.
"He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of this talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason," said Johnson.
Is he insinuating that Saleh lost the respect of the coaches and the players? Is he suggesting that Saleh was incapable of coaching the personnel up to their full potential?
It's quite a damning statement from the team owner, and it explains why Saleh is no longer employed at 1 Jets Drive.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2024
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