Woody Johnson made it clear at the start of his press conference on Tuesday afternoon that the decision to fire Robert Saleh was solely his to make.
The Jets owner spoke with general manager Joe Douglas before making the decision, but based on his comments on Tuesday, the discussion was not to come to a mutual decision. The choice had been made, and Johnson was set on making a head coaching change just five games into the season.
“I did talk to Joe Douglas about it, but at the end of the day, this was my decision, and my decision alone,” Johnson said. “I’ve had enough experience doing these things. This is the first time I’ve done it this early, but again, I thought, and think, that this will help the team, help this talented team achieve the goals that they want, that I want, and the fans want.”
Johnson also said that, while he spoke to quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday, they did not discuss Saleh, and the future Hall of Famer did not factor into the decision.
So, why now? For Johnson, it was simple. The Jets are just over a quarter of the way through one of their most hyped seasons in recent memory, and 2-3 with an offense no more productive than it was with Zach Wilson a year ago simply isn’t good enough.
“This is one of the most talented teams that has ever been assembled by the New York Jets. I wanted to give this team the most opportunity to win this season,” Johnson said. “I feel that we had to go in a different direction, and that is why I did that today.
“The changes we made today - that I made - I believe will bring more energy and more wins, starting now.”
So, the defensive-minded Saleh is out, replaced by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for at least the rest of this season. Johnson did not indicate that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s job was in danger as well, but he did acknowledge that the offense has a lot of improving. As for the defense, there is still the glaring absence of Haason Reddick, who continues his holdout as he waits for a new contract, and Johnson had a message for the team’s high-profile offseason addition that has yet to play a snap this season.
“I don’t think any of us have seen anything like this…I hope the young man can come to the team,” Johnson said. “We’d like to have Haason here. We’d welcome him with open arms…when he gets here, he’ll find a very welcoming locker room, and he would fit right in. But he would have to get here first. So Haason, get in your car, drive down 95 and come to the New York Jets. We can meet you and give you an escort right into the building. You’ll love it here, you’re gonna feel welcome, and you’re gonna accomplish great things with us.”