Robert Saleh described his time in charge of the New York Jets as the “ultimate privilege” following his shock dismissal.
Saleh was fired as manager of the Jets on Tuesday after Sunday’s loss to Minnesota Vikings saw them begin the campaign on 2-3.
The 45-year-old is the first Jets coach to lose his job mid-season since owner Woody Johnson bought the franchise in 2000, with the decision coming as a huge shock despite their poor start.
A day later, Saleh has now broken his silence on the call, which sees him replaced by interim boss Jeff Ulbrich.
“To the Jets organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said in a statement issued to Pro Football Talk.
“I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up everyday and attacked every moment.
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were ‘all in’ and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
“To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here.”
Statement from Robert Saleh:
“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate… pic.twitter.com/I4n9zYhKFd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2024
Saleh’s next move
Saleh’s contract with the Jets runs until 2025 and is said to be in no rush to return to the sidelines during the current season.
Formely a defensive co-ordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, it remains to be seen whether Saleh will look to join a team’s staff or seek another head coach role.
He was reportedly on $5million a year with the Jets, according to Front Office Sports, and with the Jets still abliged to pay out for the rest of the season, Saleh is likely to bide his time and wait for a top job next season.
