ARIZONA CARDINALS

Robert Saleh fired as New York Jets head coach, Jeff Ulbrich takes interim job

Oct 8, 2024, 7:59 AM

Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos...

Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The New York Jets have fired coach Robert Saleh after the team’s 2-3 start in his fourth season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

Saleh was 20-36 as coach of the Jets, who are trying to snap the NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 13 seasons.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will act as the interim coach, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the Jets hadn’t announced Saleh’s firing.

It is the first time in owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure that a head coach has been fired during the season.

The surprising move came a day after Saleh said he was confident Aaron Rodgers and the Jets would be able to turn things around after losing two straight, including falling 23-17 to undefeated Minnesota on Sunday in London. Rodgers had his worst game with New York, throwing three interceptions.

“There’s so much football to be played,” Saleh said Monday. “There’s so many things that we can get better at, and there’s so many things that we can continue to build on, the things that we are doing well.

“So, I’m not panicked. Nobody in the building is panicked.”

What’s next for the Jets after firing Robert Saleh?

Apparently, Johnson had seen enough from Saleh to make a change.

The Jets face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) on Monday night with a chance to share the AFC East lead with a victory. But instead of Saleh, it will be the 47-year-old Ulbrich leading the team on the sideline.

Ulbrich, who played linebacker for 10 seasons with San Francisco, where Saleh was defensive coordinator. Ulbrich joined the Jets as part of Saleh’s initial staff in 2021. Ulbrich was an an assistant with Atlanta for six seasons before coming to New York.

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort continues to field calls ahead of trade deadline

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said his front office has been involved in a number of talks ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

15 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker points to the crowd. The veteran remains unbothered by any trade sp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals GM: ‘Don’t believe everything you read’ on potential Budda Baker trades

Arizona Cardinals veteran safety Budda Baker's name has been thrown around as the NFL trade deadline approaches. But should it be?

17 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals DL Darius Robinson...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals injury report: DL Darius Robinson, OL Jonah Williams ruled out for Bears game

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting returned to practice in full after missing his team's win against the Miami Dolphins.

20 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray throws a pass in Week 8. The Cardinals sit atop the NFC West thro...

Tyler Drake

NFC West standings: Will Cardinals hold onto division lead in Week 9?

What are the Arizona Cardinals' NFC West foes up to in Week 9? A look at what's going on with the 49ers, Seahawks and Rams ahead of Sunday.

1 day ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. lines up during an Arizona Cardinals football game...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. searching for consistency after big Week 8

Arizona Cardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is looking to stack games after his big Week 8 performance against the Miami Dolphins.

2 days ago

Chad Ryland #38 and Blake Gillikin #12 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrate after Ryland kicked a fie...

Kevin Zimmerman

Mr. October: Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland is NFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for his three game-winning kicks in October.

2 days ago

Robert Saleh fired as New York Jets head coach, Jeff Ulbrich takes interim job