The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh amid a disappointing start to the season and rumored tensions with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as interim head coach following Saleh’s dismissal. The move was confirmed by Jets owner Woody Johnson, who stated, “This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations.”
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets concludes with a 20-26 record over slightly more than three seasons. Hired as the NFL’s first Muslim head coach, he was initially celebrated for his role in making history. The Council on American-Islamic Relations and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee have both acknowledged his achievements and expressed pride in his contributions to the community.
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This season, the Jets entered with high expectations, especially following Rodgers’ return after missing most of 2023 due to injury. However, inconsistencies on the field—marked by a season-opening loss to the 49ers, wins against the Titans and Patriots, and back-to-back losses to the Broncos and Vikings—compounded by apparent disagreements between Saleh and Rodgers, have raised questions about the team’s direction.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., called the decision a “raw deal” and voiced concerns over the team’s struggles, attributing them to Rodgers, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and former QB Zach Wilson. He speculated on whether Saleh’s Lebanese heritage played a role in the termination, particularly after Saleh wore a Lebanese flag patch during a recent game amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
As Saleh departs, his legacy as a pioneering figure in the NFL remains notable. The Jets join teams like the Oakland Raiders in 2014 and Miami Dolphins in 2015 in firing a coach after a London game loss, adding to a unique trend in recent NFL history.
