Robert Saleh, who was once considered a bright young coaching talent, has been fired by the New York Jets after three tumultuous seasons at the helm.
The decision, which came after a disappointing start to the 2024 season, marks an abrupt end to a tenure that promised much but delivered little in terms of sustained success.
Saleh’s departure has left the Jets organization and their fans wondering what went wrong and what lies ahead for a franchise that has been stuck in mediocrity for decades.
Saleh, 45, was hired by the Jets in 2021, following a highly successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
His reputation as a defensive mastermind and his fiery, motivational style had earned him a place at the top of many coaching wish lists, including that of the Detroit Lions.
Though the Lions ultimately chose Dan Campbell in 2021, Saleh was seen as a future star, ready to turn around any struggling franchise.
The Jets, coming off a miserable 2-14 campaign in 2020, hoped that Saleh’s leadership could restore some semblance of order and competence to a team that had long been stuck in the NFL’s basement. Initially, the hiring was met with optimism.
In his first season, the Jets showed signs of improvement under his watch, even as they finished with a 4-13 record. The defense was the lone bright spot, with Saleh’s influence evident in the unit’s play.
However, offensively, the team struggled mightily, with quarterback Zach Wilson failing to develop into the franchise quarterback they had hoped for.
In 2022, expectations were raised as Saleh’s Jets showed flashes of potential, particularly on defense. The Jets made a splash in free agency, bringing in veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard and future Hall of Famer, running back Dalvin Cook.
But despite the additions, the offense remained inconsistent, and despite a promising 7-4 start to the season, the Jets would once again falter, missing the playoffs.
The 2023 season brought even more disappointment, as the Jets’ quarterback carousel became a circus. The team’s biggest offseason acquisition, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, went down with a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into the opening game. Without Rodgers, the Jets floundered, and Saleh was left trying to salvage a season with backup quarterbacks.
Though Saleh was known for his defensive acumen, the Jets’ failure to develop any consistent offensive identity became his undoing.
His inability to navigate the challenges of a quarterback crisis, combined with a high level of frustration from ownership and fans, ultimately led to his dismissal.
Now, the Jets face an uncertain future, again looking for a head coach who can finally restore stability to a once-proud franchise that has been searching for its first playoff victory since 2010.
As for Saleh, his coaching journey may not be over, but the road ahead looks steeper than ever.