Robert Saleh has broken his silence after his shock firing by the New York Jets by releasing an emotional statement, wishing his former colleagues the best for the rest of the campaign.
Saleh's tenure with "Gang Green" abruptly ended on Tuesday when he was fired after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season, suffering back-to-back defeats to the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings in his final games in charge.
The sudden timing of his departure has prompted speculation over the cause of the decision, with many fans wondering whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers played a part in the process. Rodgers will address the situation on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday after delaying his weekly appearance by 24 hours due to Saleh's departure.
Saleh, whose defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has taken interim charge for the remainder of the season, issued a classy message to fans and his former colleagues.
"To the Jets organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive," he told SNY.
"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 every day and attacked every moment.
"To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you was 'all in' and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
"To the most passionate fanbase in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here. With love and regard. All gas no brake!!!"
Saleh took charge of the Jets in 2021 and had three losing seasons heading into 2024, although hopes were high at the end of the campaign with four-time NFL MVP quarterback Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury that wrecked his 2023 season.
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Things were looking up when the Jets moved to 2-1 on the year with successive wins over the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, but Sunday's defeat to the Vikings in London was the final straw for the Jets' owner Woody Johnson. He leaves with a 20-36 record.
The Jets return to action on Monday Night Football, with AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills (3-2) heading to MetLife Stadium. Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the organization after a poor start to the season and Rodgers' underwhelming performances, a win over the Bills would lift the Jets to the top of the division
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