Robert Saleh seen for first time after stunning Jets firing: ‘Living the dream’
By Jaclyn Hendricks,
5 hours ago
Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh was spotted out in New Jersey this week for the first time following his stunning firing last Tuesday after a 2-3 start to the season
Dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt, jeans and white Nike sneakers, the 45-year-old Saleh shopped for groceries at a local Whole Foods on Tuesday, as seen in photos obtained by The Post.
When asked by a photographer if the masses will see him on an NFL sideline soon, Saleh replied, “God willing,” before driving off in a black SUV.
Former Jets coach Robert Saleh was spotted for the first team following his stunning Jets firing. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID He sported a gray sweatshirt, jeans and white Nike sneakers during the trip to the supermarket. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID The sighting came just days after he was let go by the Jets after a 2-3 start to the season. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID
Saleh said he was “living the dream” when the photographer first asked how he was doing.
Hired in Jan. 2021 after a successful run as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Saleh spent the past three-plus seasons with the Jets, posting a 20-36 record.
Entering his third year, Jets brass acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Packers, with Super Bowl aspirations immediately building in the tri-state area.
Things took a devastating turn just four plays into the Jets’ 2023 season when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury , putting embattled quarterback Zach Wilson — the team’s second overall pick in 2021 — back as the team’s starter.
The Jets dealt Wilson to the Broncos this offseason and a healthy Rodgers resumed the role of QB1.
Robert Saleh, here in the local market, was originally hired by the Jets in 2021. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID He was asked about his future on the NFL sidelines upon exiting the store. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID The former 49ers defensive coordinator is expected to focus on the 2025 hiring cycle in the wake of his firing. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID
The Jets dropped their season-opener to the 49ers on the road before back-to-back wins over the Titans and Patriots.
Things started to go off the rails by Week 4 when the Jets fell to the Broncos in an ugly 10-9 home loss .
The Jets then traveled to London for a hyped matchup against their former quarterback, current Viking Sam Darnold, who helped Minnesota stay undefeated at 5-0 with a 23-17 win over New York.
Two days after the Oct. 6 loss, Saleh was fired.
“This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,” team owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward. This was not an easy decision, 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.”
Robert Saleh posted a 20-36 record during his time with the Jets. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID He was said to have been “blindsided” by the ouster. DIGGZY/JESAL / BACKGRID
The Jets named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as his interim replacement.
“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said . “I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up everyday and attacked every moment.”
Robert Saleh was seen embracing Aaron Rodgers on the Jets’ sideline on Sept. 19, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Robert Saleh coached his final Jets game on Oct. 6, 2024. Action Images via Reuters
Despite Saleh’s brief comment to the shutterbug, he isn’t chomping at the bit for a swift return to the sideline.
The Post’s Brian Costello previously confirmed that Saleh will not join another NFL club midseason and will look ahead to the 2025 hiring cycle.
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