The New York Jets, a franchise all too familiar with turbulence, find themselves in the midst of yet another stormy season. This latest chapter sees the team grappling with the departure of head coach Robert Saleh, who exited unexpectedly after just five games. The Jets, carrying a record of 2-3, are now under the interim guidance of Jeff Ulbrich, the team’s former defensive coordinator.
Saleh's departure comes after a string of underwhelming performances, including a game where the Jets managed to muster only nine points against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Saleh’s stint with the Jets, albeit short, was notable for transforming the defense from one of the worst in the league to one that consistently ranked amongst the top. Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, weighed in on the situation during the "Let's Go!" podcast, describing the Jets as “one of the best defensive teams in the league” and commending Saleh for taking them from 32nd to consistently in the top five or top three in defensive categories.
The season has also seen the Jets struggle offensively, averaging the fewest points per game under Saleh's leadership. This offensive drought was evident in their overseas defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The team has been reacquainted with the seasoned Aaron Rodgers, but even his presence couldn't lift the team from one of the lowest scoring positions in the league.
As the Jets seek stability, Ulbrich’s promotion to interim head coach provides a sliver of continuity. Known for his defensive acumen, he will be tasked with steering a ship that has veered off course. Owner Woody Johnson, who remains a fixture of unpredictability according to Belichick, pulled the trigger on Saleh’s exit earlier than many expected. Belichick further elaborated, “Just seemed like a little early to pull the trigger on that one to me. But not out of character for the owner. Woody's always been kind of hard to predict what he's gonna do.” He expressed that despite the potential Saleh instilled within the defense, this season's journey still has a long way to go, rendering the decision premature in his view.
With the Jets’ faithful watching closely, the spotlight now turns to the remaining season under Ulbrich's direction. As they await the results of this sudden shift, questions linger about the decision-making at the top echelons of the organization and the constant quest for a stable and effective leadership structure. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ reacquisition hints at a hopeful turnaround that sees more points on the scoreboard and fewer in the loss column.
Woody Johnson’s intentions and future plans remain shrouded in mystery, as is often the case. As the Jets navigate through these trying times, the organization's next moves will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest by analysts and fans alike, hopeful for a resurgence that has eluded the storied franchise for far too long.