Axed New York Jets coach Robert Saleh was shocked by co-owner Woody Johnson’s decision to fire him on Tuesday, according to reports.
Saleh is said to have reported for work as usual before being told that he would become the first head coach of Johnson’s tenure to lose his job mid-season.
Minutes after the announcement, FOX NFL Sunday’s Jay Glazer claimed Saleh was “blindsided” by Johnson “walking to his office and letting him go”.
“[He was] certainly disappointed he wasn’t going to be given the opportunity to get things going with what he said is a very good roster,” added Glazer.
Robert Saleh’s 4 year tenure as HC of NYJ:
• 4-13
• 7-10
• 7-10
• 2-3 pic.twitter.com/YcBcfqHNDu— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 8, 2024
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Salah fired: Coach ‘expressed optimism’
ESPN NFL reporter Rich Cimini said he had been told Saleh was “stunned”. “[He] showed up to the office early this morning, expressing optimism about their chances of beating the Bills on Monday night,” Cimini claimed. “Then he got the news.”
In a statement, Johnson said Saleh was dismissed because the NFL team is “not where we should be, given our expectations”.
Johnson made the dramatic call after the Jets suffered consecutive defeats against the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, taking their record to 2-3.
“I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction,” said Johnson, who bought the Jets for $635 million in 2000.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 8, 2024
Jeff Ulbrich: Jets interim coach
Former 49ers player Ulbrich, who was made defensive co-ordinator shortly after Saleh joined the Jets on a five-year contract in January 2021, will replace Saleh on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.
“He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” said Johnson. “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 off-season.”
Speaking in February, Johnson said he had told his coaching staff that he felt “about as mad as I can be with what was going on” while Saleh led the team to a 7-10 season record, particularly regarding the team’s offense.
Former tight end Salah finished with a record of 20-36 – the worst of any Jets coach to have taken charge for at least 40 games.
