Jets fans are reeling from a stunning midseason shakeup—head coach Robert Saleh has been fired. In a move few saw coming, owner Woody Johnson dismissed Saleh following the Jets’ disappointing 2-3 start, leaving analysts and fans alike scratching their heads. Saleh’s defense was one of the league’s best, which only deepens the mystery. Was it the offense’s inconsistency that sealed his fate, or was this a knee-jerk reaction driven by the high expectations surrounding Aaron Rodgers?
NFL analyst Mike Florio didn’t hold back, saying, “Dysfunctional teams do dysfunctional things… It just makes no sense to do it now. How is it going to get better by doing it now?” Florio’s criticism reflects the broader confusion around the decision. The real source of the Jets’ struggles has been their offense, where play-calling under Nathaniel Hackett has sputtered, leaving the team without the firepower they’d hoped for after acquiring Rodgers. Despite the team’s offensive woes, Johnson’s decision to keep Hackett on staff has raised eyebrows, fueling rumors that Rodgers may have played a behind-the-scenes role in Saleh’s ousting.
Interestingly, it seems Rodgers himself was blindsided by the move. Reports indicate he wasn’t informed of Johnson’s decision, sparking debate over the ownership’s motivation. Was this truly a desperate attempt to salvage the season, or simply an impulsive reaction to calm mounting frustration?
The timing has further stirred up the storm. The Jets were fresh off a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in London, their second disappointing defeat in a row following a tight 10-9 game against the Broncos. Johnson, reportedly fuming on the long flight back, reached his breaking point and made his decision to let Saleh go as soon as they landed. Johnson’s justification? The need for “new direction” and leadership that can address the team’s issues with slow starts and penalties.
Saleh’s unceremonious exit, escorted out of the Jets’ facility by security, underscores Johnson’s frustration. Saleh wasn’t even given a chance to address the team—a gesture that not only marked the end of his tenure but left a sour taste in the mouths of those watching. Many questioned the optics of this decision; while Saleh’s 20-36 record over four seasons left room for improvement, he inherited a team in transition and was managing high expectations amid injuries and setbacks.
Now, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich steps in, hoping to steady the ship and rekindle playoff aspirations in what’s shaping up to be a tumultuous season. Johnson’s gamble could pay off, but with Rodgers nursing injuries and the team’s offense still in question, this might just be a leap too far. So, has Johnson made a catastrophic mistake? Or could a fresh approach truly turn the Jets’ season around?
Jets fans, share your thoughts. Did Woody Johnson just make the team’s biggest blunder?
