The New York Jets (2-3) endured their second consecutive loss and third defeat of the season in Week 5, but rather than regrouping, they opted for a hasty reaction.
In a shocking move on Tuesday, the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh, marking the most unexpected decision of the season to date. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was then appointed as the interim head coach.
Saleh’s time in New York didn’t go as he likely envisioned, finishing with a 20-36 record. Despite that, he managed six different quarterbacks while constructing one of the league’s top defenses.
Robert Saleh went through six different starting quarterbacks during his time with the Jets:
🏈Zach Wilson: 33 games
🏈Mike White: 7 games
🏈Aaron Rodgers: 6 games
🏈Joe Flacco: 5 games
🏈Trevor Siemian: 3 games
🏈Tim Boyle: 2 games— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2024
The most recent development, of course, involves Aaron Rodgers, who may have influenced Robert Saleh’s firing as the two didn’t appear to have a strong connection.
Rodgers has already played a role in several of the Jets’ key decisions, including bringing in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. And he might not be done yet.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Saleh’s departure doesn’t affect the Jets’ ongoing interest in trading for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Owner Woody Johnson needed to assign blame for the team’s underwhelming start, and he clearly decided it wouldn’t be the 40-year-old quarterback, who was expected to revive the franchise.
So far this season, Rodgers has thrown for 1,093 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions over five games.
Saleh is now the first head coach to be fired just five games into the season since the Carolina Panthers—another struggling franchise—dismissed Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start in 2022.
As for Rodgers, with Saleh out, the burden of responsibility on the offense now falls squarely on his shoulders if the Jets, who currently rank near the bottom of the league in total yards (286.6) and points per game (18.6), continue to falter.
After going all-in on Rodgers during the 2023 offseason in a bold move, Tuesday’s decision feels even more desperate, with Rodgers seemingly gaining more control within the organization.
The Jets will face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) in Week 6 on “Monday Night Football,” with first place in the AFC East on the line.
