Jets DB has telling comment about Robert Saleh firing

Jul 27, 2021; Florham Park, NJ, United States; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh talks with the media on training camp report day at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets lost again on Sunday to fall to 3-8 on the season, and it is clear at this point that the move to fire coach Robert Saleh did not have its intended effect. If anything, it has backfired, as one Jets defensive back seemed to suggest on Sunday.

After the Jets’ 28-27 loss to Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, cornerback DJ Reed seemingly suggested that Saleh’s firing had contributed to a regression in the team’s defensive play. When a reporter put that theory to Reed, the cornerback’s response was telling.

“I have noticed that,” Reed said of the team’s defensive regression.

“I have noticed that” – #Jets CB DJ Reed on defense’s regression after Robert Saleh was fired, Jeff Ulbrich tasked with being HC & DC.

Said team needs to execute better. pic.twitter.com/FpoYkK8s9O

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 17, 2024

Saleh was fired after Week 5 with the Jets at 2-3. They are just 1-5 since with interim coach Jeff Ulbrich handling double duty as defensive coordinator. There have been a few indications that Ulbrich might have too much on his plate in both roles, causing the defense to pay the price. This marked the second consecutive week that the Jets gave up at least 28 points and the third time in the last five games.

At least one former Jet seemed to think Saleh was the problem, but the results certainly do not bear that out. The move may have been made to try and light a fire under the Jets, but if anything, the opposite happened.