Robert Saleh releases statement following surprise firing from New York Jets

Robert Saleh issued a public statement Wednesday just 24 hours removed from his firing as head coach of the New York Jets (2-3).

“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said, via Adam Schefter of ESPN. “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 every day 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. We will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here. With Love and Regard, All Gas No Brake!!!”

Robert Saleh fired amid Jets’ underperformance to begin 2024 season

The Jets made the decision to part ways with Saleh after 56 games and zero playoff appearances in his three full-time seasons as head coach. Saleh went 20-36 in New York, and his team underperformed to high expectations in the first five games this season. The final straw was a 23-17 Week 5 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) this past Sunday in London, in which the offense largely looked disjointed for the second consecutive contest.

Saleh reportedly had plans to relieve Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties, handing over the reins to passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Todd Downing. Saleh came to that decision Tuesday morning, but roughly five minutes later was called to team owner Woody Johnson’s office where he learned of his fate, according to Connor Hughes of SNY.

As for Aaron Rodgers‘ possible role in Saleh’s firing, Johnson said he spoke to the star quarterback Monday night, however, it wasn’t about Saleh. Rodgers, in fact, was “blindsided” by the Jets’ decision to fire Saleh.

“This was my decision, and mine alone,” Johnson said.

New York named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Ulbrich has been on the Jets’ coaching staff since Saleh’s hiring in January 2021.