Jets Fire Robert Saleh After 2-3 Start, Name Jeff Ulbrich as Interim Head Coach.

 

The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh following the team's 2-3 start to the 2024 season, team owner Woody Johnson announced on Tuesday. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

In a statement, Johnson explained the decision: "This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets. I thanked him for his hard work over the past three-and-a-half years. It was a difficult choice, but we are not where we should be, given our expectations. I believe this is the right moment for a change." 

Johnson expressed confidence in Ulbrich, noting, "Jeff is a tough coach who commands respect from both players and staff. I believe he, along with the rest of our coaching staff, can help the team achieve the goals we set out this offseason."

Saleh's tenure as Jets head coach ends with a 20-36 record (.357 winning percentage), the lowest among franchise coaches with at least 40 games. His firing is the first time Johnson has made a midseason coaching change in his 25 years of ownership. 

Saleh, hired in 2021, faced challenges throughout his time, notably a revolving door of quarterbacks. Over his four seasons, the Jets started six different QBs, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle. Despite solid defensive play under Saleh, the team's offensive struggles—exacerbated by quarterback instability—ultimately led to his dismissal.

The decision comes two days after the Jets lost 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The team had entered the season with high hopes, especially with Rodgers’ return from a 2023 Achilles injury, but their performance has fallen short of expectations.

ESPN's Rich Cimini contributed to this report.