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

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

In addition to the 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings that dropped the Jets to 2-3, Cimini listed some of the factors that raised questions about Saleh’s future. Even so, the coach was carrying out his normal operations until the moment he was kicked to the curb.

Cimini repeated earlier reporting from SNY’s Connor Hughes about Saleh wanting to remove offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s play-calling duties and provided new information about what happened next.

“The plan was to demote him and give orders to passing coordinator Todd Downing — a move made by (interim coach Jeff) Ulbrich,” Cimini wrote. “It was a difficult decision, knowing (Aaron) Rodgers’ close relationship with Hackett, but Saleh made the decision Tuesday morning.

“About a minute later, the Johnsons showed up at their office to deliver the news. Saleh requested the opportunity to address the team one last time, team sources said. He was denied.”

Saleh’s seat was already pretty hot 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 was partly to blame for the drama that unfolded at the throughout the year.

A midseason firing was always on the cards if New York struggled out of the gate. The surprise comes from the fact that the team is not playing what badly, along with the fact that Saleh can’t wave a magic wand and make Rodgers younger and healthier.

Sport is a results-based business.

If the Jets make the playoffs, team owner Woody Johnson will be credited for making a bold decision. If this doesn’t change things, it will be another example of the dysfunction that has long plagued the franchise.