The New York Jets are making a change after a close loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The team is firing head coach Robert Saleh, according to a statement from the team.
According to Peter Schrager, the team will move forward with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. He will take over the New York team that has started the season 2-3.
"This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets," owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward.
"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.
"Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season," Johnson continued. "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 our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason."
Saleh became the head coach of the New York Jets after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. His run in charge of the Bay Area defense included a trip to Super Bowl LIV, where the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saleh's first season with the Jets after signing a five-year contract was 2021. The team posted a 4-13 record after drafting Zach Wilson second overall. It improved to 7-10 in 2022.
The 2023 season began with considerable optimism in New York and New Jersey. The Jets had landed a high-profile quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, who was set to lead the revamped offense and potentially contend for a spot in the playoffs.
This season ended before it began. Rodgers tore his Achilles in the opening game and missed the rest of the season. The Jets moved forward with Wilson and Tim Boyle sharing the quarterback duties. The result was another 7-10 season.
Rodgers returned to the lineup this season to kick off Saleh's fourth year as head coach. However, the team struggled in the first five weeks of the season. Wins against the Titans and Patriots served as bright spots, but losses to the 49ers and Broncos dropped the team to 2-2 heading to a London matchup with the Vikings.
The Jets defense held the Vikings in check during this 23-17 loss last weekend as Sam Darnold only threw for 179 yards and an interception. However, the Jets struggled on offense as Rodgers threw three interceptions, including one that Andrew Van Ginkel returned for a touchdown. The rushing attack only generated 36 yards.
Frustrations in the organization have been evident this season. Quincy Williams said "People gotta start taking accountability" after the loss to the Vikings. This followed Rodgers and Saleh seemingly trading barbs in press conferences after the loss to the Broncos.
