The New York Jets made a major organizational change in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season when they fired head coach Robert Saleh after a slow start to the season. Saleh was hired in hopes of turning around the struggling franchise, but the team failed to become a true playoff contender under his leadership. Although Saleh managed to transform the Jets defense into one of the best in the NFL, the offense consistently ranked poorly in yards and points during his tenure.
The decision to fire Saleh was made after the Jets struggled to consistently win games and fell below expectations set by the organization. Owner Woody Johnson stated that it was time to move in a different direction as the team was not where it should be in terms of performance. Saleh’s record with the Jets stood at 20-36, and despite his defensive success, the team’s offensive struggles ultimately led to his dismissal.
Saleh faced challenges at the quarterback position during his time with the Jets, starting six different players in 56 games. The revolving door at quarterback likely contributed to the team’s lack of success on offense. Despite hiring two different offensive coordinators and making various changes to the coaching staff, the results on the field did not improve under Saleh’s leadership.
There were also signs of tension between Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with reports of a rift between the two during the 2024 season. Saleh fined Rodgers for missing minicamp and the quarterback appeared to be dissatisfied with some of the coaching decisions. Ultimately, the decision to fire Saleh was made in an effort to spark the team and improve their chances in a competitive AFC East.
Saleh’s coaching record with the Jets showed a winning percentage of .357 over three-plus seasons, with no winning records in any of his years as head coach. His contract details revealed that he was under contract through the 2025 NFL season, earning $5 million per year. Saleh’s dismissal marked the first coaching change of the 2024 season and raised questions about the future direction of the New York Jets under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
