Robert Saleh, the Jets’ coach for over three years, took a moment to reflect on his tenure in a statement a day after the team fired him.
“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said. “I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.”
After a 2-3 start, Woody Johnson fired Saleh on Tuesday morning after three-plus seasons. In 56 games as coach, Saleh finished with a 20-36 record with zero playoff appearances.
Jeff Ulbrich, whom Saleh hired in 2021 as his defensive coordinator, will serve as Gang Green’s interim coach.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you,” Saleh continued. “The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were ‘all in’ and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
“To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here.”
The ousted coach concluded his statement with his signature “All Gas No Brake!!! phrase.
The Saleh era with the Jets will be remembered for their excellent defensive play. In each of the previous two seasons, the Jets have finished in the top five in yards allowed per game. Throughout five games, Gang Green’s defense has given up 255.8 yards per game, second only to the Titans.
But Saleh’s tenure will also be remembered for poor offensive and quarterback play. The Jets thought they had solved their quarterback issues after they acquired Aaron Rodgers in a 2023 trade with the Packers. However, Rodgers only played four snaps for the Jets last season before tearing his Achilles and missing the rest of the year.
Rodgers returned this season, but the Jets’ offense has continued to struggle. They rank 27th in yards (286.6) and 24th in points per game (18.6), eventually leading to Saleh’s firing.
Six quarterbacks — Rodgers, Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, Mike White, Trevor Siemian and Joe Flacco — started games in Saleh’s time with the Jets.
