The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday following a 2-3 start to his fourth season.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, according to team owner Woody Johnson.
“This is probably the best team I’ve had in 25 years,” Johnson said on a conference call with reporters. “I just felt that the best way to go forward with a new direction. Taking Jeff Ulbrich and making him the interim head coach, I thought that would get the most out of this team and give us the best chance that we all want to have, which is going to the playoffs.”
The dismissal of Saleh marks the first time in Johnson’s 25-year tenure that he has fired a coach during a season. Several reports said Saleh was not allowed to address the team and was escorted from the building to his car by security.
New York is coming off a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in London, which followed a 10-9 home loss to the Denver Broncos.
“It’s not just the last two games that has precipitated this decision. It’s a longer time frame,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a couple years to think about this and, yeah, I just think we can do better. The team can do better as we have this new leadership.”
Despite having four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Jets rank 27th in total offense (286.6 yards per game) and 25th in scoring (18.6).
CBS Sports reported that Saleh was “seriously contemplating” firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before Johnson made his own move. It’s possible Hackett may not keep play-calling duties with Ulbrich in charge.
“We’re gonna take a deep dive on that in the next 36 hours and look at every possibility,” Ulbrich said. “I do not see changes in necessarily titles and positions. As far as responsibilities and the process itself, we’re gonna take a hard look at that.”
Saleh, 45, compiled a 20-36 record with no playoff appearances in 56 games since taking over the Jets in 2021. New York last made the playoffs in the 2010 season, losing in the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year.
Saleh assumed the head coaching position of the Jets following four years as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers (2017-20). He also had coaching stints in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars (linebackers, 2014-16), Seattle Seahawks (defensive quality control, 2011-13) and Houston Texans (various roles, 2005-10).
Ulbrich, 47, was hired by Saleh as the Jets’ defensive coordinator in January 2021. He was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 after coaching their linebackers from 2015-19. He played linebacker for the 49ers from 2000-09.
“He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and the players on this team,” Johnson said of Ulbrich. “I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason.”
Under Ulbrich this season, the Jets rank second in total defense (255.8 ypg allowed), fourth in sacks (18) and tied for fifth in scoring defense (17.0 ppg).
“The message (to the team) was, it’s time to lock arms,” Ulbrich said. “We go back to back and it’s us against everybody. With the talent that we have in that room, in my opinion, we have everything we need to be successful and have the season that we know we’re capable of having.”
