Robert Saleh issues statement after being fired by Jets

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Saleh was said to be blindsided by the decision the New York Jets made to fire him on Tuesday, but the former head coach insists he is nothing but grateful for the opportunity.

Saleh made his first public comments since his firing with a statement he issued to Pro Football Talk on Wednesday. He thanked the Jets organization, his former players, staff and fans for their support during his three-plus seasons in New York.

“To the Jets organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said. “I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.

“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 everyday and attacked every moment.

“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.

“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 was fired following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Jets are now 2-3 on the season after going 7-10 each of the last two years and 4-13 the year they hired Saleh in 2021.

Though there seemed to be some tension between Saleh and Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks, a report on Tuesday claimed the relationship between the two was in a good place.

Jets owner Woody Johnson said the decision to fire Saleh was his alone. There have still been some interesting theories about the timing of the move, however, and one seems to make a lot of sense.