Robert Saleh’s Firing 'Solely' Decided by One Person

The New York Jets made waves on Tuesday with the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, a decision that caught many off guard after the team’s underwhelming 2-3 start to the 2024 season.

Expectations were high for the Jets this year, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers back after his Achilles injury in 2023. However, despite the talent on the roster, consecutive losses led to increasing pressure on the coaching staff.

While many assumed the decision to part ways with Saleh was made by the Jets' front office collectively, a key insider revealed that this was not the case.

Jets owner Woody Johnson, who has held control of the team since purchasing it in 2000 for $635 million, was reportedly the sole person responsible for Saleh’s firing, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Johnson, known for his business expertise and political influence—having served as the U.S. Ambassador to the UK—has always been a significant figure in the Jets’ operations. However, he wasn’t directly involved in hiring Saleh in 2021, as his brother, Christopher Johnson, made the call while Woody was fulfilling his ambassadorial duties.

Despite not being part of the initial hiring, it was Woody Johnson’s decision to fire Saleh after a disappointing start to the season. According to Schultz, Johnson took charge of the situation himself.

"The firing of Robert Saleh was carried out solely by Woody Johnson this morning," Schultz posted on X.

Johnson, hoping for a Super Bowl run with Rodgers at the helm, expected more from the team.

The back-to-back losses proved too much for him to overlook, prompting the rare in-season coaching change under his ownership.

As the Jets move forward under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, it remains to be seen if the bold decision will help the team turn things around.

Related: Davante Adams Trade to Jets Receives Key Update Amid Robert Saleh Firing