The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh following their defeat by the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sunday.
The Jets have had a disappointing start to the season with three defeats in five games.
Saleh, 45, had been in charge since 2021 and finishes with a 20-36 record after failing to make the play-offs in each of his three full seasons.
Firing Saleh marks the first time in owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure that he has sacked a coach during a season.
“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,” Johnson said in a statement.
Defensive co-ordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
“[Jeff Ulbrich] is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” Johnson added.
“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 off-season.”
Analysis – ‘If you’re going to make a change, this is the time’
Jason Bell, former cornerback for Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and New York Giants speaking to BBC Sport:
“I know he was under a lot of pressure and he needed to come out with a win, some kind of a victory because if you’re going to change the coaching staff or anything like that coming off the back of this game, you can do that because you’ve got a bye week.
“So there’s always a little pressure for a coach that is kind of on the hot seat because if you’re going to make a change, this is the time to do it.”
Osi Umenyiora, former defensive end for the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons:
“Very surprised. He’s had a rough couple of years and I think the introduction of Aaron Rodgers was supposed to take that team to that next level.
“He’s a defensive coach, that’s what he does and their defence has played well. So for him to be the guy whose head rolls, that’s a strange one. But that’s the NFL for you.”
