Robert Saleh, the former head coach of the New York Jets, was seen publicly for the first time since his firing while shopping at a local Whole Foods in northern New Jersey. In footage obtained by TMZ, Saleh was asked if he believes wearing the Lebanese flag in his last game as head coach played a role in his dismissal after just five games into the season. He did not respond to the question and eventually drove off. The Jets fired Saleh after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, with Chairman Woody Johnson confirming that he made the decision on his own in a statement on Oct. 8, citing unmet expectations as the reason for the termination.
During the game in London, Saleh had worn the pin of the Lebanese flag on his jacket, as a nod to his heritage and amid ongoing attacks on Lebanon by Israel. Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, was the first Muslim head coach in NFL history, with both of his parents being Lebanese immigrants. He had previously worn the Lebanese flag on his arm during a game against the Giants, shortly after the attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists in 2023. The decision to wear the patch came at a time when the NFL encouraged players to represent their heritage by wearing decals on their helmets and coaches to wear patches on their team gear.
Following Saleh’s firing, the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a statement calling on the Jets and Johnson to explain reports that Saleh was escorted out of the building by security after being fired. CAIR also raised questions about the timing of Saleh’s dismissal, just days after he wore the Lebanese flag pin during a game. The organization commended Saleh for making history as the first American Muslim head coach in the NFL. Saleh himself released a statement thanking the Jets for the opportunity to work with the team and expressing gratitude to the passionate fan base in New York for embracing his family.
Despite the speculation surrounding Saleh’s firing and the questions raised by CAIR, the Jets have not responded to requests for comment on the matter. Saleh’s tenure as head coach came to an unexpected end, with the team citing unmet expectations as the reason for the decision. Saleh’s decision to wear the Lebanese flag pin, a symbol of his heritage, sparked conversation around potential motives for his dismissal. While Saleh did not address the speculation directly, he expressed gratitude for his time with the Jets and the support he received from the organization and fans during his time in New York.
The public appearance of Saleh at a local store in New Jersey marked the first time he had been seen since his firing, offering a glimpse into the aftermath of his tenure as the head coach of the Jets. Saleh’s decision to wear the Lebanese flag during his last game as head coach, in light of the ongoing conflict in the region, added a layer of complexity to his departure from the team. The questions raised by CAIR and the lack of response from the Jets added to the uncertainty surrounding Saleh’s firing. Despite the challenges faced, Saleh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Jets and the support he received from the organization and the fans.
