New York Jets owner sacked head coach Robert Saleh after brutal conclusion

The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after just five games of the NFL season, with the move coming as a shock to many at the franchise

Robert Saleh has been sacked from his position as head coach of the New York Jets, following franchise owner Woody Johnson's loss of confidence in his ability to salvage the season.

The Jets announced on Tuesday morning that they had split with Saleh, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as interim head coach for the rest of the season.

Despite being in a win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers as quarterback, the Jets have had an inconsistent start to the season with a 2-3 record. In his 25 years as owner, Johnson has never dismissed a head coach mid-season.

However, according to SNY, there was a strong belief among senior figures that Saleh wouldn't be able to turn things around, prompting immediate action. The report also suggests that players and fellow coaches were shocked by the decision.

Saleh arrived at the Jets facility on Tuesday to start preparations for Monday's primetime game against the Buffalo Bills, only to be informed that he was no longer head coach. All Jets players and coaches reported to the facility on Monday to prepare for the Week 6 clash against the Bills.

A victory over their divisional rivals could put the Jets at the top of the AFC East, but these preparations have now been disrupted.

Saleh acknowledged that the team's performance could have been better, but it seemed like offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was on the chopping block rather than the head coach. However, a decision was made, and Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed Saleh's departure in a statement: 

"This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets," Johnson said. "I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward.

"This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction. Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season.

"He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason."

The Jets had a mixed start to the season, winning against the Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots after losing their opener to the San Francisco 49ers. They then suffered a narrow 10-9 defeat to the Denver Broncos and a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London.

Despite moments of tension between Saleh and Rodgers this season, the seasoned quarterback maintained last week that they're friends with a "great relationship". Now, Ulbrich holds the fate of Rodgers and the Jets this season.