Robert Saleh, head coach of the New York Jets, was fired on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
Arriving in the Big Apple in 2021, the former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers will have lasted barely three years at the helm of the franchise.
In 56 games, his record as Jets coach is 20 wins and 36 losses. This is the first time that Woody Johnson, owner of the franchise for 25 years, has fired a coach during the year.
Current defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be responsible for succeeding him until the end of the season. According to The Athletic, he would be appreciated by the entire staff and locker room.
Robert Saleh, victim of the curse of London
The New York Jets have a record of two wins and three losses in 2024 and remain with a narrow defeat at Tottenham Stadium, against the Minnesota Vikings (23-17).
Robert Saleh is in any case the latest victim of the “curse” of London. After Joe Philbin (Dolphins) in 2015 and Dennis Allen (Raiders), a year later, he is the third coach fired on the way back after a defeat in England.
After playing quarterbacks like Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle and even Chris Streveler, he ultimately only took advantage of Aaron Rodgers for five short games. A defensive specialist above all, he had managed to solidify this squad over the last two seasons.
A psychological shock more than a tactical choice?
The Jets therefore fired a defensive coach to replace him with a defensive coach. While it is mainly the attack that is slipping at the moment.
It is therefore difficult not to see it as a choice aimed at relaunching the Greens in spirit more than in tactics. A few days ago, Aaron Rodgers publicly assured on ESPN that he had an excellent relationship with his coach. Paradoxically, this is rarely a good sign.
