Woody Johnson: Why I fired Robert Saleh as Jets coach

Woody Johnson had seen enough.

The Jets owner explained in a brief statement the thinking behind firing head coach Robert Saleh just five games into the season.

“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,” Johnson said. “I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward. This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.”

According to reports, Saleh reported to work on Tuesday morning after the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Vikings in London and that’s when Johnson informed him that he was being let go.

The Jets are promoting defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to interim head coach, starting with a “Monday Night Football” showdown with the Bills.

“Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our Interim head Coach for the remainder of the season,” Johnson said. “He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. 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.”

It is the first time Johnson, who purchased the Jets in 2000, has ever fired a coach during the season.

Saleh was hired in Jan. 2021 just before Woody returned to his responsibilities with the team after serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Trump. Woody’s brother Christopher ran the team in his absence.

The Jets entered the 2024 season with high expectations with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles tear that cost him his first season with the franchise.

The team is under immense pressure to win now with the 40-year-old quarterback.

Saleh will finish his Jets coaching tenure with a 20-36 record.