Insider notes on Jets firing Robert Saleh: Was he escorted out of the facility?
The Jets are at it again. Entering year 15 of their three-year rebuilding plan, they fired head coach Robert Saleh just five games into the season. And while the word 'dysfunction' has once again been used to describe the organization by outsiders, I wanted to find out how the players in the locker room felt. Here’s what I was told.
Today was an off day for the Jets, who flew back from London after Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, yet a few players went in for voluntary workouts. I’m told players were not aware of the situation until about 9 am when they were informed Saleh had been fired as head coach. No player I heard from saw Saleh this morning or witnessed the former head coach being escorted from the facility, as has been reported elsewhere.
Inside the process behind the Jets firing Robert Saleh
Owners Woody and Chris Johnson did address the Leadership Council of the Jets, which, as explained to me, incorporates veteran leaders on the team. The brothers Johnson explained to the leadership council why the move was made and why they believed it was the right move. During this meeting, it was announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, or “Brick” as he is known to the players, would take over as head coach.
And while the players like and respect Ulbrich, I was told directly by players I heard from that they were stunned and surprised by the timing of the decision to fire Saleh. Several I’ve heard from said they believe this move should have waited one more week considering the fact that if they beat the Bills at home on Monday night, the next game on their schedule, they are right back in the thick of it in the AFC East.
Editor's note: Further details will be posted as they come in.