Kyle Shanahan reached out to longtime colleague Robert Saleh following the New York Jets’ decision to part ways with their head coach.
Kyle Shanahan (L), Robert Saleh (R) (Images via Imago)
Kyle Shanahan, the San Francisco 49ers head coach, admitted that he didn’t expect the New York Jets to fire Robert Saleh just in the fifth week of the latest season. The former Jets HC was involved with the 49ers as defensive coordinator before taking the helm at the New York-based team.
The Jets fired Saleh after the Green and White were defeated 23-17 by the Minnesota Vikings in London. The firing, although threw many off due to its hasty and blindsiding nature, was long coming.
Though Aaron Rodgers and Saleh repeatedly cleared off the rift rumors, the tension was palpable. The hug-gate and the disagreements over Rodgers’ cadence, along with the losing record, were signs of an impending action.
Shanahan, who spent almost six years with Saleh, was shocked to hear that the Jets had fired Saleh. Shanahan and Saleh spent two years in Houston Texans as OC and Defensive quality control coach respectively in addition to the four years in the Bay Area. Speaking to the reporters on Tuesday, Shanahan also pointed out that the Jets aren’t way behind.
I sent him a text, but I haven’t gotten to talk to him and yeah, I was pretty shocked. That stuff throws you off, especially when they’re competing for first in the division this week and I think they’re up there on defense and have got a pretty good team and a chance to have a hell of a year. So that was pretty surprising.
Kyle Shanahan said
The Green and White are 2-3 in the AFC East behind the Buffalo Bills. They even play the Bills (3-2) next week where a win could ensure the top spot in the division.
The defense was never the problem for the Jets. They had a DC who’s parlaying into an HC. The decision to fire a defensive-minded coach is especially perplexing considering the offense’s glaring deficiencies.
Jeff Ulbrich, the current defensive coordinator, will take over as the interim head coach for the time being. He has done a great job in keeping the Jets as a top ten defensive side this season. They are ranked second in sack percentage and fourth in sacks (18.0). The coaching difficulties that might trouble Ulbrich could potentially affect their defensiveness as well.
What’s next for Robert Saleh, Aaron Rodgers, and the Jets?
Robert Saleh had one of the most dramatic sackings ever. It is reported that he was escorted by security after being blindsided by Woody Johnson. There’s much controversy revolving around the firing, including Rodgers’ involvement and the timing of the firing.
Saleh probably would be out of any positions for the time being. He might come back to the NFL in 2025 as defensive coordinator positions might open up. He could join Shanahan once again, if he survives the heat, as the 49ers are not up to the par under Nick Sorensen.
The Jets, on the other hand, face a unique challenge. In the history of the NFL since merging, no teams have gone to playoffs after firing their head coach in the middle of the season. The Green and White restart their post-Robert Saleh journey against a ravenous Bills, who are looking to rebound from two consecutive losses themselves.
