When the axe falls, it cuts deep. Robert Saleh’s latest chapter in New York took the kind of twist no one saw coming. Big promises and even bigger expectations were suddenly over, leaving only the bittersweet ache of what could have been.

NFL insider Adam Schefter dropped the news on X—that Saleh was fired (after their 2-3 start). While the details were still unfolding, the former coach released a heartfelt statement. His words reflected a person who poured his heart into the team but was now grappling with a reality check that hit harder than any sack. 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. 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,” said Saleh.

“Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment… Every one of you were “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.” The sincerity in his message was clear, even as he signed off with his trademark motto, “All Gas, No Brake!!!”

For the former coach, who signed a five-year contract with the Jets in 2021, this moment was unexpected. But considering he was earning around $5-7 million a year and was fired almost two entire seasons before his deal ended, Robert Saleh will receive around $10 million from the Jets. That said, while the sudden sacking was unexpected, it wasn’t just the recent skid (17-23 loss to Minnesota) that led to this situation.

Jets’ owner Woody Johnson decided enough was enough. “This is probably the best team I’ve had in 25 years,” Johnson alluded during a press conference. “I just felt that the best way to go forward was a new direction.” Johnson’s decision marked his first in-season coaching change in a quarter-century. Despite consulting with GM Joe Douglas, he made it clear—this call was all his.

With Robert Saleh out, DC Jeff Ulbrich steps in as the interim HC. Ulbrich’s sudden promotion came with its own responsibilities. “Four hours of craziness,” he said, describing his first day in the new role. His immediate challenge? Stabilize a team that began the season with Super Bowl aspirations but is now teetering on the edge. One of Ulbrich’s big decisions? Whether to take play-calling duties away from OC Nathaniel Hackett. But first, he’s planning to chat with Aaron Rodgers.

With Saleh’s exit, the Jets close a chapter packed with highs and lows. As he left the building, escorted by security, his journey with the team officially came to an end.

Saleh’s unusual departure signals deeper issues within the Jets 

After Saleh was fired, he didn’t just leave the building—he was escorted out by the very director of security. This unusual move didn’t even occur when the Jets canned Saleh’s predecessor, Adam Gase. According to multiple sources, this kind of treatment is extremely rare for high-ranking employees. But remember the last time something like this happened? It was 2009—when Cleveland unusually escorted G.M. George Kokinis.

Saleh’s tenure (20-36 record in 56 games and zero playoff appearances) is marked by New York’s 13-year playoff drought—the longest in the NFL. The decision to escort the former HC out sends a loud and clear message about the Jets’ power dynamics. 

As the dust settles, everyone’s watching the Jets to see if they can finally shake off this cycle of dysfunction or if it’s more of the same.