New York Jets Shakeup: Owner Woody Johnson and Interim Coach Jeff Ulbrich Speak Out After Saleh’s Firing
New York, NY – The Jets are making waves following the firing of head coach Robert Saleh this week. Owner Woody Johnson and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich are under the spotlight, and they’re sparking conversation about the future of the team, especially offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. During a media session on Tuesday afternoon, both Johnson and Ulbrich were asked about Hackett’s job security but stayed non-committal, hinting that the team could undergo significant changes.
What’s Going On?
Johnson, the man in charge, wasn’t shy about expressing his dissatisfaction. “We’re going to make changes wherever changes are due,” he stated, without offering any guarantees about Hackett remaining in his position. The Jets’ defense is holding its ground, ranked fifth in points allowed and second in yardage allowed. Meanwhile, the offense is struggling, sitting at 25th in scoring and 27th in yardage. That’s alarming, especially considering they have Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, running the show.
This isn’t just a one-off issue for Hackett, either. His offenses have faced challenges for three consecutive seasons. Last year as head coach of the Denver Broncos, his unit was dead last in scoring and 21st in yardage. The struggle continued with the Jets, where last year’s performance was one of the worst, ranking second-to-last for yardage and fourth-worst in scoring.
What Did Ulbrich Have to Say?
When Ulbrich was pressed for clarity about Hackett keeping his play-calling duties, he offered a roundabout answer. “In my opinion, these guys are gonna be here on Monday Night Football for us,” he said, referring to his coaching staff. “Everything will be assessed—the process, the responsibilities, etc. But I do not foresee any changes in the staff.” Yet, he admitted that he’s just stepping into this role and everything is on the table, emphasizing that while he doesn’t see immediate changes, nothing is guaranteed.
The Jets did not find themselves at the bottom of the winning column, sitting at 2-3. However, Johnson strongly believes they have the talent to perform better than their record shows. “This is one of the most talented teams that has ever been assembled by the New York Jets,” he added. And that talent isn’t translating to wins quite yet.
Upcoming Challenges
Things have not flowed smoothly lately for the Jets, starting with their opener, a concerning 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. A tight loss to the Denver Broncos followed, which felt especially tough due to expectations surrounding Rodgers’ trade from Green Bay before the last season. Then came a disappointing showing in London against the Minnesota Vikings, where Rodgers tossed three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
Now with a big game against the Buffalo Bills coming up, the interim coach Ulbrich is aware of the urgency in their performance. The team has a lot of firepower with a talented roster, yet consistency has been an issue.
Questions About the Future
During the discussions, the prospect of altering play-calling responsibilities even lingered—could they adjust how the offense operates? Ulbrich mentioned that they’d review every option but didn’t indicate any drastic title changes. “We’re gonna take a deep dive…but I do not see changes in necessarily titles, in positions,” he stated.
Also key is Rodgers’ involvement in these discussions. The Jets have leaned heavily on their star quarterback, who could have substantial input on the offensive strategies moving forward. Although Ulbrich said he acknowledges Rodgers’ insight, he also said that it’s too soon to see how the coaching reshuffle might affect game plans.
Wrapping Up
The Jets are poised for some serious soul-searching and strategic reassessment as they move forward this season. While fans are hoping for a fast turnaround, it’s clear that changes are needed for the Jets to tap into their perceived potential. As they prepare for the Bills, the pressure is on Ulbrich and his staff to steer the Jets back on track. Let’s hope this coaching shake-up inspires some much-needed victories.
