In a move that few saw coming, Robert Saleh’s firing as head coach of the New York Jets has sparked intense speculation, with former NFL star Mark Schlereth diving into the “power struggles” within the organization. The Jets, standing at 2-3, have had a turbulent journey so far, with polarizing performances over the last two games against the Broncos and Vikings acting as the catalyst for Saleh’s departure.
The decision to let Saleh go wasn’t sudden; the sword had been hanging over his head for a while. Despite Saleh’s underwhelming 20-36 record with the team, it was the internal conflicts that seemed to push owner Woody Johnson to pull the trigger. The reported “discourse” between Saleh and four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers may have played a crucial role in his ousting.
According to Schlereth, the relationship between Saleh and Rodgers was strained from the start. The pair reportedly failed to align on game strategies, particularly on managing leads. Schlereth hints that Saleh and Rodgers clashed over their “two score lead” approach, and the coach’s later criticism of Rodgers’ cadence only deepened the divide. Despite retracting his comments, it was clear the rift was growing.
With the Jets’ season in jeopardy, Saleh’s inability to unite with his star quarterback might have sealed his fate, leading Johnson to make a drastic mid-season move. As the team faces a critical stretch, the lingering question is whether the power dynamics at play will stabilize or further unravel the Jets’ campaign.
