NFL Rumors: Robert Saleh was ‘shocked when he was fired by Woody Johnson from the Jets’ | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh “was shocked when he was fired,” according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Aside from a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings that dropped the Jets to 2-3, Cimini listed some of the factors that raise questions about Saleh’s future. Still, the coach went about his normal business until the moment he was kicked to the curb.

Cimini reiterated previous reports from SNY’s Connor Hughes about Saleh wanting to relieve offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties and provided new information about what happened next.

“The plan was to demote him and put passing game coordinator Todd Downing in charge of the game – a change that was ultimately made by [interim head coach Jeff] Ulbrich,” Cimini wrote. “It was a difficult decision knowing that [Aaron] Rodgers’ close relationship with Hackett, but Saleh made the move on Tuesday morning. He was looking forward to the Bills.

“About a minute later, the Johnsons showed up at his office to deliver the news. Saleh asked for the opportunity to speak to the team one last time, team sources said. He was rejected.”

Saleh’s seat was already pretty warm before the start of the 2024 season. Rodgers’ Achilles injury wasn’t the only reason the Jets went 7-11 in 2023, and the coaching staff shared some of the blame for the drama that unfolded throughout the year.

A midseason layoff was always a possibility if New York struggled to get out of the gate. The surprise comes from the fact that the team is not playing The bad, along with the fact that Saleh couldn’t wave a magic wand and make Rodgers younger and healthier.

Sports is a results-oriented business.

If the Jets make the playoffs, team owner Woody Johnson will have a bold decision to thank. Failure to turn things around would be another example of the dysfunction that has long plagued the franchise.