The New York Jets have parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, ending his four-year tenure after starting this season with a 2-3 record. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as interim head coach while the team searches for a permanent replacement.
Saleh was fired just five games into the season, during which time he led the Jets to a 2-3 record. The team never finished higher than third in the AFC East during his four-year tenure, and his .35 winning percentage is the 22nd worst of all time out of 201 head coaches, according to Football Reference.
The Jets are in a crucial spot. They need to find the right leader to harness Aaron Rodgers’s aging talent and a cast of dynamic pass catchers to guide the team through a pivotal season.
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Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson emerged as a head coach candidate for his success in Detroit (
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Ben Johnson’s rise with the Detroit Lions as an offensive coordinator has showcased his ability to mold a top-tier offense, making him a natural candidate for teams looking to revitalize their scoring units. In 2023, he helped guide the Lions to a top-five finish in both points and yards, and with an already elite quarterback in Rodgers, Johnson could seamlessly fit into the Jet’s offensive puzzle.
This year, the Lions have a 3-1 record and rank seventh in points and third in offensive yards. Johnson was at the top of the Washington Commanders list last season to replace Ron Rivera, who was fired after the 2023 season with a 4-13 record.
Johnson interviewed for the position but ultimately turned down as the team was in the midst of establishing new control under newly hired managing owner Josh Harris. His offensive innovation could be key for Rodgers, who will be 42 years old when his contract expires after 2025.
Hiring Johnson would undoubtedly have to wait until next season. But he could be worth the wait…
Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick is the fan-rumored front runner for the job (
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Bill Belichick’s departure from the Patriots last season marked the end of an era, but the iconic coach still has plenty to offer in leadership and defensive mastery. His eight Super Bowl rings show he has what it takes to win, though he lost out on the Atlanta Falcons job to Raheem Morris last season.
Belichick’s potential return to New York would create immediate headlines. He previously spent three years with the Jets as their defensive coordinator, from 1997-99, before taking the Patriots job the following season that would establish his legacy.
Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel could end his search for a new head coaching job in New York
Mike Vrabel was relieved of his head coaching duties with the Tenneesee Titans last season after six years with the organization. Four of his first six seasons have positive records, winning the AFC South in 2020 and 2021.
While all signs pointed to Vrabel landing another coaching job soon, he assumed the role of a personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns, which helps with roster management and other tasks surrounding the players. Cleveland has a 1-4 record this season, providing Vrabel with the perfect chance to leave a sinking ship without control and attempt to steer a new one.
Adam Stenavich
Adam Stenavich could finally land his first head coaching position (
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Green Bay offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich joined the Packers in 2019, the same year the Jets showed interest in hiring him for an offensive line coaching position. He was promoted to OC following the departure of Nathaniel Hackett, the current OC for the Jets.
Since then, Stenavich has proven himself as reliable in the team’s coaching staff for his capabilities, specifically working with Jordan Love. Stenavich’s coaching journey dates back to 2012 at the University of Michigan, and he has yet to land a head coaching job.
Jeff Ulbrich
Ulbrich is the interim coach and could get promoted (
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Ulbrich was named the interim coach for a reason. He’s a beloved figure within the Jets organization who has earned the respect of the front office and the players.
His interim status could be elevated to a permanent role if the Jets find success for the rest of the year, especially in the Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. With Buffalo just one win ahead of New York in the AFC East, Ulbrich is in a position to lead the team to a division title and much more.
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