The New York Jets may have fired their head coach, but the pressure is now on.
Gang Green surprisingly sacked Robert Saleh on Tuesday morning, a move that shocked the entire sporting world.
The move came after back-to-back losses, including a humiliating 10-9 loss at home to the Denver Broncos, followed by a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
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New York Jets manager Robert Saleh reacts to the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee Iman image)
Apparently, team owner Woody Johnson had seen enough. He claims he made the decision himself, but understandably there is a lot of speculation.
Former All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles sympathizes with Saleh, who took over for much of his tenure and had to watch corrupt quarterback play that included the likes of Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle.
“They haven't played that well the last few years, but that had a lot to do with quarterback play. They didn't have some of the best quarterbacks, and now they have Aaron.” [Rodgers] The former Kansas City Chiefs star told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “I feel bad because it's not all his fault. Jets, he's not up to my standards when it comes to play calling, but he's the leader of the team so you've got to start with him. They're going to fire someone. If that's the case, the leader will also be fired.”
For the Jets, it's all part of cleaning up the mess, and Charles can attest to that. In an interview with Fox News Digital as part of a new partnership with Tide, he said Tide is “the best scented product.”
“I have daughters who play sports. The Tide is a big part of my house because the kids get into it. They play a lot of youth sports. We clean frequently,” Charles said.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh (left) speaks as #8 Aaron Rodgers leaves the field during the first half of the Denver Broncos' 10-9 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. (Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK, via Imagine Images)
Former Jets quarterback reflects on Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers' awkward hug after coach firing
Saleh's absence has led to speculation that he may have his fingerprints on Aaron Rodgers' move. Nathaniel Hackett remains on the job despite questionable play-calling and continued lackluster offensive play, with Saleh deciding to remove play-calling duties from Hackett, who had a long association with Rodgers. He was reportedly fired “about five minutes” after the decision was made.
Although Charles did not say that Rogers “had his fingerprints on it,” he hinted that he may have been able to hear Rogers' voice.
“I don't think he had any fingerprints.” [on the firing] But as players, we want to get input from players. I should have spoken up,” Charles said.
Charles added that the pressure is on given Rodgers' influence in the locker room.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh (left) and owner interact during the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey, June 11, 2024. Mr. Woody Johnson. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“You still have to be successful. You still have to perform at a high level. He can demand all these people, but you still have to perform at a high level. You can demand all these people, but you still have to perform. You're not performing. It is your responsibility to request. Otherwise, you shouldn't have the power to demand things when you perform as a player. You get a good salary, and if you don't perform well, you're released. ”
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Saleh has been the Jets' head coach since 2021 after spending four seasons as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator. He had a 20-36 record as the Jets' head coach, but never won more than seven games during his time at the helm.
Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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