ESPN Report Reveals Ironic Jets Situation After Robert Saleh Firing

The New York Jets started the post-Robert Saleh era the way it ended -- a disappointing loss.

The Jets blew a golden opportunity to take a share of the lead in the AFC East as the Buffalo Bills (4-2) overcame Aaron Rodger's Hail Mary touchdown throw at the end of the first half and survived with a 23-20 victory on Monday Night Football.

It was the third straight loss for the Jets (2-4) and their first under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, the team's defensive coordinator when Saleh was at the helm.

Before Ulbrich's debut as interim coach, several eyebrow-raising details, including an ironic twist, were revealed in an ESPN report about Saleh's firing.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini , Jets owner Woody Johnson pressured Saleh during his first year on the job in 2021 to demote Ulbrich.

"Saleh and Woody Johnson are different personalities," wrote Cimini. "Saleh is a patient, stay-the-course guy; Johnson, 77, can be demanding, looking for instant results. When the Jets endured a brutal defensive stretch in 2021, allowing 175 points over a four-game span, Johnson tried to pressure Saleh into demoting Ulbrich, sources close to the situation said.

"Ironically, Woody Johnson has now entrusted his team to Ulbrich, a former NFL player and longtime assistant universally admired throughout the organization."

Cimini added Ulbrich was popular among players, which factored in Johnson's decision to make him the interim coach.

It's funny how life quickly changes in the NFL.

Despite the Jets suffering a gut-wrenching defeat in Ulbrich's first game at the helm, Johnson made another all-in move that showed his faith in Ulbrich and this season's group led by the 40-year-old Rodgers.

With the bitter taste of Monday night's loss still in their mouths, the Jets pulled off a blockbuster trade for star wide receiver Davante Adams.

Adams is reunited with Rodgers. They were one of the best tandems in recent NFL history when they were with the Green Bay Packers.

The move also puts more pressure on Ulbrich to deliver, or he also follows Saleh's fate, a worse situation than he was in three seasons ago.

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