“I wanted to give this team the most opportunity to win this season": Jets Owner Confident Robert Saleh's Firing Will Revitalize a Talented Team with Promising New Energy

In a decisive move aimed at reinvigorating his team, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made a headline-grabbing decision by firing head coach Robert Saleh. The announcement came just five games into Saleh’s fourth season, following a disappointing 2-3 start, including a 23-17 loss to Minnesota in London. According to Johnson, the choice to part ways with Saleh was based on providing the Jets with "the most opportunity to win this season."
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The Jets had shown promise this season, with a roster considered one of the most talented in the franchise’s history.However, Johnson expressed concerns about the team's overall direction under Saleh's leadership, citing the need for immediate change. "This is one of the most talented teams that has ever been assembled by the New York Jets," Johnson emphasized during a conference call with reporters. The owner explained that his objective was to give the team the best chance at success, and the current course wasn’t aligning with that vision.
“I wanted to give this team the most opportunity to win this season. I feel that we had to go in a different direction and that’s why I did that today.
“This change, the change that we made today — that I made — I believe will bring new energy and positivity that will lead to more wins, starting now.”

Saleh, who held a 20-36 record as head coach, was under mounting pressure, especially with the Jets desperately trying to end the NFL’s longest active playoff drought of 13 seasons. Despite his optimism and his belief that Aaron Rodgers and the team could bounce back, Johnson felt the time for change had arrived. This marked the first time in Johnson’s 25-year ownership that a head coach had been fired mid-season.
Taking over the reins for the remainder of the season is defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who will serve as interim head coach. Johnson expressed confidence in Ulbrich’s ability to lead the team, praising him as someone who would "add a spark of positivity" to the Jets. Ulbrich, a former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, joined the Jets' coaching staff under Saleh in 2021. His leadership style, combined with his experience, is expected to steer the team toward a stronger finish to the season.
The timing of Saleh’s departure came as a surprise, especially after his recent comments suggesting no panic within the organization. “I’m not panicked. Nobody in the building is panicked,” Saleh had assured after back-to-back losses. However, Johnson’s actions reflected a different perspective, as he became the first NFL owner this season to fire a head coach, adding Saleh to the list of mid-season coaching casualties.
With Saleh out and Ulbrich in, the Jets now prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. A victory would put them in a shared lead in the AFC East, but the challenge will be immense, given the sudden shift in leadership. Despite the turbulent times, Ulbrich expressed gratitude to Saleh for his support during challenging moments, especially when the Jets’ defense struggled during their early tenure together. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Jets are not giving up on their playoff aspirations this season.
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