**Jets Fire Head Coach Robert Saleh, Appoint Jeff Ulbrich as Interim**

In a significant shake-up, the New York Jets have announced the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh. The decision was conveyed to Saleh at 10 a.m. ET, with team owner Woody Johnson releasing an official statement shortly thereafter. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been designated as the interim head coach as the Jets move forward.

The team's performance under Saleh’s leadership has been underwhelming, with no winning seasons and a current 2-3 record this season. In a heartfelt statement, Saleh expressed gratitude to the Jets organization, players, coaches, staff, and fans, but notably did not mention Johnson or quarterback Aaron Rodgers by name.

Saleh was brought in with high expectations in 2021. He had garnered acclaim during his four seasons as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and was a much-sought-after head coaching candidate. Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, the Jets struggled on the field. The team used their No. 2 overall pick to select quarterback Zach Wilson, a decision that proved disastrous. The onus of the pick's failure partially fell on Saleh, who had to navigate the ramifications.

The termination came as a surprise to Saleh, as relayed by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. According to Glazer, Saleh felt blindsided and expressed disappointment at not being given more time to turn around the season with what he considered a talented roster.

Owner Woody Johnson addressed the media following the announcement, stating that the team’s high expectations were not met under Saleh’s direction. Johnson referred to the current Jets roster as one of the most talented teams ever assembled by the franchise, indicating the need for a new direction to maximize their potential this season.

Reports from CBS' Jonathan Jones revealed that Saleh was considering significant changes to the coaching staff, including possibly removing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. This plan, however, never came to fruition as the decision to part ways with Saleh was made swiftly.

Saleh's tenure faced numerous challenges, including the high-profile injury of newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles just four plays into the first game of the 2023 season. This forced the Jets to once again rely on Zach Wilson.

Saleh’s record with the Jets stands at 20-36 over 56 games. Reflecting on his tenure, it’s worth considering how different circumstances, such as having a league-average quarterback from the start, might have altered his and the team's fortunes. However, such speculation remains in the realm of what-ifs as the Jets embark on a new path with Jeff Ulbrich at the helm.