Jets Rumors: Robert Saleh Attempted Radical Change Before Firing

The Jets made a surprising move when they fired Robert Saleh, who might have anticipated his team’s offensive struggles before the season started.

New York ranked 23rd in offensive DVOA and 12th in defensive DVOA after five games, but owner Woody Johnson felt change was needed and named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich the interim head coach and quarterback coach Todd Downing took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

Hackett was the target of the Jets’ offensive woes, and Saleh reportedly tried to replace the offensive coordinator. The former head coach also tried to improve the offense in the offseason. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Saturday, Saleh spoke to Eric Bieniemy, Kliff Kingsbury, Luke Getsy and Arthur Smith to join the coaching staff. He failed in that pursuit since he couldn’t offer them the offensive coordinator title.

It would have been an interesting way for Bieniemy to return to the NFL, and Kingsbury and Smith have experience as head coaches. Like Hackett, Getsy has a strong relationship with Rodgers, so that could have satisfied the quarterback.

New York’s season is still fine at 2-3, but they face the Buffalo Bills this week and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. The Jets then travel to New England to take on the Patriots in Week 8, so they could welcome in a Jets team continuing to unravel or a team getting on the right track.