According to reports, the decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh came solely from New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. In a conference call with reporters, he explained his reasoning.
Johnson began by promising Jets fans “more wins starting now,” as he expects the organization to be galvanized with positivity from the move. He said this roster is one of the most talented the Jets have ever had.
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The owner claimed that this was his decision alone and Aaron Rodgers did not have any input.
Woody Johnson asked if Aaron Rodgers was involved in this decision.
He said that he talked to Rodgers the night before (Monday), but they did not discuss this at all. #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 8, 2024
Though he did speak to Rodgers following the loss against Minnesota, he asserted they discussed the game and Rodgers surpassing 60,000 passing yards but not Saleh.
Johnson said he spoke to Aaron Rodgers last night but they did not talk about firing Saleh specifically. Said they discussed the game and Rodgers passing 60K passing yards. He did not discuss firing Saleh with him.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) October 8, 2024
Johnson stated that he consulted with general manager Joe Douglas but made the call himself.
Woody Johnson said he consulted with #Jets GM Joe Douglas on Robert Saleh but this was "my decision alone."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 8, 2024
Reports asked Johnson how firing Saleh and replacing him with Jeff Ulbrich, a defensive coach, would fix the problems on offense. Johnson responded, “We need to find ways to win. We’re not going to find those ways doing the same thing over and over and over.” He believes Ulbrich will add a “spark of positivity” and thinks the new leadership will bring out the best in the Jets’ players.
Woody Johnson told the majority of the #Jets problems being on offense. He's asked how this move will fix the offense.
"We need to find ways to win. We're not going to find those ways doing the same thing over and over and over."
Johnson believes that Ulbrich will add a…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 8, 2024
Johnson also dodged a question about offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s status. He promised changes on offense but declined to mention any specifics.
Woody mentioned a few times about making changes on the offense, but he never offered specifics and eluded a question about Hackett's status. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 8, 2024
Ultimately, the main message Johnson imparted was that a change at the top was necessary for a winning culture. While the word “positivity” was bandied about constantly under the Saleh regime, Jets players reportedly love Ulbrich, which could bring about a legitimate outlook shift.
Until the Jets make real changes on offense, though, the questions will remain about what firing Saleh actually accomplishes. For all the talent the Jets’ roster has, they are not playing like it, individually or collectively. Ulbrich has 12 games to prove that he can right the ship.
