Robert Saleh and the New York Jets opened this season with Super Bowl aspirations. The team had acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the offseason. It made other moves to build up a legit contender.
Now, with three weeks remaining in the season, New York has been eliminated from playoff contention. The team put up an absolutely embarrassing performance in a 30-0 shutout loss to the Miami Dolphins. Zach Wilson went down with a concussion after being battered in the first half. The Jets barely hit the 100-yard mark on offense.
With New York now playing out the string at 5-9 on the season, questions were raised about Saleh’s job security during Monday’s day-after press conference.
When asked if he’s coaching for his job, Saleh said “I’m just coaching to try to beat Washington.” Saleh was then asked if job security ever pops into his mind. His response was more detailed. It was also rather interesting.
“No. There are 2 types of coaches, those who have been fired and those who are about to get fired my man. We coach in the moment. Coach to win a football game,’ Saleh told reporters.
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Robert Saleh coaching record: 16-32, .333 winning percentage
As you can see, Saleh’s Jets have not had any type of success since he came over from the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2021 season. His first season saw New York finish with a 4-13 record. They went 7-10 last season and have seemingly taken a further step back in 2023. There is now a decent chance that Saleh will be given his walking papers after Week 18 against the New England Patriots.
The backdrop here is New York facing a Wednesday decision to activate Rodgers off injured reserve. His rehab process has been among the best in modern sports history with the quarterback pushing to play roughly four months since suffering the torn Achilles four snaps into his Jets career.
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It makes very little sense for the Jets to play Rodgers now that they have been eliminated from postseason connection. A report indicated this past weekend that a win over the Dolphins might have led to his return Christmas Eve against the Washington Commanders. That’s now highly unlikely.
With Wilson currently in the concussion protocol, veteran Trevor Siemian could potentially be called on to start against Washington.