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Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has released a lengthy statement after being fired by the organization on Tuesday, October 8.
Saleh, who was hired by the Jets to be the organization’s head coach in 2021, remained classy in his comments, thanking the franchise for the opportunity.
Reports from Tuesday indicated that Saleh was escorted out of the building by security (generally standard practice when someone is being fired from a job) and was denied the opportunity to address the team.
“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive,” Saleh said.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.”
Saleh then addressed the coaching staff, which will now be overseen by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach. Reports also indicate that Saleh was considering firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before he himself was canned.
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were ‘all in’ and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season,” Saleh said.
Finally, the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator sent a message to the Jets’ fanbase, who are enduring the longest playoff drought in American professional sports (13 years).
“To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here,” Saleh concluded, signing off the message by saying, “With Love and Regard, All Gas No Brake!!!”
A statement from former #Jets HC Robert Saleh:
To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
To all of the players, I truly love…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 9, 2024
The Jets will play their first game under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Monday, October 14, when they take on the Buffalo Bills. If they win that game, they’ll be in first place in the AFC East.