Former Buffalo Bills assistant coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and plays for the Great Britain flag football team.
Robert Saleh became the first NFL head coach to lose his job this season as he was fired by the New York Jets after last Sunday’s loss in London, and I’m surprised it happened so quickly.
It is not that his record is very bad. They are 2-3 and going up against their divisional rivals Buffalo on Monday Night Football. Maybe they were playing in first place in their division so it felt a little awkward really but, ultimately, I don’t think Saleh was an issue.
When you bring in a quarterback like four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers – one of the biggest names in the game – you’re bringing in more than just a player. He almost becomes his own offensive coordinator, right? It’s not an easy relationship for a head coach and quarterback, and there were signs of skepticism between Saleh and Rodgers.
Rodgers had a really good game three weeks ago against the Patriots but there was a moment when Saleh went to hug him and Rodgers pushed him away. Then after the loss to Denver, the two of them talked about coordination issues and holding people accountable. There were signs that it was going in this direction, but it coming soon, I think it’s unfortunate for Saleh.
The Jets have named (defensive coordinator) Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach and said (quarterbacks coach) Todd Downing will become the offensive play-caller.
He’s essentially demoted (offensive coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett, which I think is what Saleh wanted to do before he got fired. But Saleh, a defensive-minded head coach, has lost that power on the offensive side of the ball and I don’t think Rodgers is going to be a good environment for him.
I think it’s really telling that as soon as Ulbricht comes into the role, he demotes Hackett. Ulbricht has been there, he’s seen what’s going on, he’s been at all the team meetings, so he’ll know what the issue is.