The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday. Now, let’s answer some questions about the move:
Q: Was anyone else fired?
A: No. Many might have expected offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to be the one who lost his job with the way the offense is playing, but Hackett is still employed. There is a belief that interim coach Jeff Ulbrich may strip him of play-calling duties and give those to passing game coordinator Todd Downing. Sources said Saleh was contemplating the same move before he was fired.
Q: Was Aaron Rodgers behind this decision?
A: All indications are Rodgers had no role in this decision. There has been speculation about how well Rodgers and Saleh got along in recent weeks, but sources said there was no real friction there. Rodgers was not consulted about the move.
Q: So whose decision was it?
A: This was all owner Woody Johnson. It sounds like he consulted with a very small group inside the Jets before making the move Tuesday morning. He did speak to GM Joe Douglas about the decision but it sounds like Douglas was not involved in the decision itself.
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Q: Can interim coach Jeff Ulbrich keep the job permanently?
A: I think Ulbrich has a good chance of keeping the job in 2025. This roster is talented and that has not changed. They will be playing for first place in the AFC East on Monday night, so the playoffs are still very much in play. If the Jets end their 13-year playoff drought under Ulbrich, how can the Jets not keep him as their head coach?
Q: If Ulbrich does not get the job, who are the other candidates?
A: We are still a few months away from coach search season but there are a few obvious candidates. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick is an interesting name, but would he really want to work for Johnson, who he had reservations about in 2000 when he walked away from the job? Then, there is Mike Vrabel. The former Titans coach is going to be a hot name in this hiring cycle. If the Jets go the assistant coach route, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be a leading candidate.
Q: Will Ulbrich remain as the defensive coordinator?
A: Ulbrich said all changes are on the table. He will evaluate over the next few days whether he thinks he can manage game-day duties and call the defensive plays, too. If he does not call the defense anymore, cornerbacks coach Tony Oden and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton are possibilities as interim.
Q: Does this affect a potential trade for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams?
A: I don’t think this as any effect on the Jets’ interest in Adams. I did not get the sense that Saleh had strong feelings either way on a potential trade. The bigger issues with the Adams trade are draft pick compensation and his salary. Will the Raiders eat some of the money? Will the Raiders take less than a second-round pick? Those are the hurdles to getting a deal done.
Q: How does Joe Douglas survive?
A: Many are going to point to Douglas’ record of 29-59 as GM and ask how he gets to keep his job while Saleh does not. Johnson’s comments about this being the most talented roster he’s had as owner lets you know what he thinks of the job Douglas did assembling it. He clearly is placing the blame on the Jets’ losses on coaching and not talent. If the Jets continue to stumble, though, Douglas could be the next to go.