NFL insider reveals Robert Saleh was "blindsided" by Jets owner Woody Johnson after shock firing
The news of Robert Saleh being fired by the New York Jets shocked the NFL world on Tuesday. The Jets have struggled through the first five weeks but no one anticipated a coaching change this early in the season.
This news apparently came as a shock to Saleh as well. FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer shared on X that he spoke with the former Jets head coach. Glazer said Saleh never saw it coming and was shocked when team owner Woody Johnson walked into his office on Tuesday to fire him.
"Just talked to Robert Saleh who said was blindsided by Woody Johnson walking to his office and letting him go. Certainly disappointed he wasn’t going to be given the opportunity to get things going with what he said is a very good roster," Glazer shared on X.
Robert Saleh reportedly told Jay Glazer that he was disappointed that he wouldn't get to finish out the season with the New York Jets and perhaps turn the season around. The team is coming off a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday.
The New York Jets also announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach moving forward.
What was Robert Saleh's record as Jets head coach?
Robert Saleh was hired as the Jets head coach in January 2021. In his first season as head coach, the Jets had a 4-13 record with rookie Zach Wilson at quarterback. In 2022, New York had a slight improvement with a 7-10 record, once again finishing last in the AFC East division rankings.
The acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023 had everyone expecting big things from the Jets last season. Rodgers debut lasted less than five minutes into the Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets finished 7-10 again in 2023, third in the division.
Through five weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the New York Jets are 2-3, tied with the Miami Dolphins in second place of the AFC East, one game behind the division-leading Buffalo Bills. Saleh's record as head coach of the New York Jets was 20-36.
Before taking the head coaching position with the New York Jets, Saleh was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons.