pgzen Robert Saleh is now a former New York Jets coach af ter Woody Johnson, the team’s owner, decided to fire the 45-year-old head coach. pgzen

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed the departure of head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday after the 45-year-old failed to turn around Gang Green’s fortunes and hired defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach, NFL Network reported. 

( pgzen ) 

The Jets hired Saleh from the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator position in 2021. Over the past three seasons, they have gone 20-36, ending with a 17-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday.

The move came as a surprise, as the Jets’ management kept Saleh on for his fourth year, but the head coach has only managed five games this season. 

“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as head coach of the Jets,” Johnson said in a statement. “I would like to thank him for his hard work over the past 3 1/2 years and wish him and his family every success in the future.”

‘This decision was not easy, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.’

“Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our interim head coach for the remainder of the season. He is a strong coach who is respected by the coaches and players on the team. I believe he and the coaching staff will be able to get the most out of our talented team and achieve the goals we set for ourselves this offseason.” 

Johnson also revealed that the decision to fire Saleh was made because he wanted to give one of the most talented teams the Jets have assembled a chance to win the most games this season. 

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years. This is probably the best team I’ve had in 25 years. I just feel like the best way forward is a new direction. Taking Jeff Ulbrich and making him the interim head coach, I think that’s what gives this team the best chance and the best chance that we all want, which is to make the playoffs.”