The New York Jets have decided to make a bold move by firing head coach Robert Saleh and appointing defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. This decision comes after a rocky start to the 2024 season, with the Jets posting a 2-3 record, including a recent loss to former Jets’ No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings in London. Interestingly, this move marks the first time since 2022 that a head coach has been fired just five games into a season, a fate that befell Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers.
Team owner Woody Johnson officially confirmed Saleh’s departure, highlighting the disappointing tenure that saw Saleh amass a 20-36 record without a single winning season. Many had high hopes for Saleh when the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers, but the star quarterback’s struggles have mirrored the team’s lackluster performance on the field. Through five games, Rodgers has put up some of his worst statistics in his Hall of Fame career, including the fewest passing yards, lowest yards per attempt, and worst passer rating.
One area where Saleh found success was on defense, with the Jets boasting one of the top units in the league, ranking second in total yards allowed per game. However, the offense under Saleh’s leadership failed to live up to expectations, averaging the fewest points per game in the entire NFL. This struggle was compounded by the revolving door at the quarterback position, with six different players taking snaps under center throughout Saleh’s tenure.
As the Jets look towards the future with Ulbrich at the helm, it remains to be seen whether the coaching change will spark a turnaround for the struggling franchise. In the competitive landscape of the NFL, every decision carries significant weight, and the Jets will need to quickly adapt to ensure the team’s long-term success. Stay tuned as the New York Jets navigate this pivotal moment in their season.
