- Frustrated by the Jets' 2-3 start, owner Woody Johnson made a bold and unexpected decision on Tuesday morning by firing head coach Robert Saleh and naming defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach.
- This marks Johnson's first in-season coaching change in 25 years of ownership, a decision he stated was his alone, though he did consult with general manager Joe Douglas. The Johnsons, including vice chairman Christopher Johnson, informed Saleh in person at the team facility, leaving the coach reportedly stunned. Saleh was then escorted out of the facility per standard protocol.
- Despite the team’s struggles, Johnson expressed that this Jets roster is “the best team I’ve had in 25 years,” and the decision to appoint Ulbrich was driven by a desire to get the most out of the team and reach the playoffs. Saleh, who took over the team in 2021 with a promise of championships, finished his tenure with a 20-36 record, unable to break the Jets' 13-year playoff drought.
- The tipping point came after the Jets’ Week 4 loss to the Broncos, and despite a meeting with the Johnsons in which concerns were raised, Saleh’s fate was sealed after the team's 23-17 defeat to the undefeated Vikings in London.
- Johnson emphasized that this decision wasn’t based on just the recent games but rather a longer period of underperformance, and he believed a change in leadership could propel the team forward. Saleh’s departure is also tied to ongoing offensive struggles under coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who Saleh was reportedly considering demoting before his own firing.
- Ulbrich, who has no previous head-coaching experience, addressed the team with a message of unity, stating it’s time to “lock arms” and prepare for their upcoming game against the Bills. He will have to make quick decisions regarding the offensive coaching staff, with Hackett’s role being a key question mark. Ulbrich did note that he would consult with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who despite his season-ending Achilles injury, remains a crucial voice within the team.
- While the Jets are still only one game behind in the AFC East, the pressure is now on Ulbrich to turn the season around and keep playoff hopes alive. His immediate task will be reshaping the team’s direction ahead of their divisional clash against the Bills.
- Despite the shakeup, Johnson clarified that Rodgers had no role in the coaching change, dispelling rumors of a rift between Saleh and the four-time MVP. Johnson remains hopeful that this new leadership could ignite a playoff push for the Jets, a team with immense talent and lofty expectations.
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