Robert Saleh had joined the New York Jets after four years in San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
The New York Jets fired Robert Saleh after a dismal 2-3 start to the season. In Week 5, the Jets suffered a 17-23 loss handed by the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings in the season’s first London game.
Although the move stemmed from the team’s losing record, such a change amid the season is rare. The chances of a team rebounding and making it to the playoffs after losing their head coach is practically very low. Since the rash decision was singlehandedly carried out by Woody Johnson, fans have speculated that the recent issues with Aaron Rodgers could be a reason. A Muslim advocacy group even alleged that this has to do with Saleh’s Lebanese heritage.
The shake-up, bringing Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach, has affected the team a bit. Sauce Gardner reflected on the same, stating that he learned it from a text. Speaking to the media, Garrett Wilson is the latest to share his thoughts on the firing.
He believed in me. To have a coach that valued my opinion…it hurts. I’m confident that his best days are ahead of him in this league.
Garrett Wilson said
Wilson noted that he had lost a coach who believed in him and valued his opinion. He also took time to offer his best wishes for Saleh moving forward in his career.
Robert Saleh had a 20-36 record with the Jets, amplified by quarterback issues haunting them. The ex-defensive coordinator, however, wasn’t able to bring in the results with an MVP quarterback either, albeit it might have been early to make such an assumption. However, considering Ulbrich was also a DC, it would be interesting to see the new developments.
Robert Saleh issues heartfelt message after controversial sacking
The Green and White firing of Robert Saleh came as a blindside to many including the man himself. It is reported that he was escorted by security and wasn’t able to have a final talk with the players before leaving. The coach has since released a statement to Pro Football Talk.
Saleh mentioned the organization, the players, the coaches, and the fan base in his statement.
To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you… To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you… I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
Robert Saleh said
Saleh also expressed his gratitude to the team’s dedicated fan base, thanking them for embracing his family. He added that it had been a pleasure calling New York home and that they would always treasure the memories made there.
