Robert Saleh has spoken out following his surprising firing as head coach of the New York Jets on Tuesday.
Saleh was relieved of his duties by Jets owner Woody Johnson two days after the team’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, which followed a dismal home loss to the Denver Broncos on Sept. 29. September.
Despite still being just one win away from first place in the AFC East, Johnson confirmed Tuesday that the Lebanese-American is no longer in charge, and that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been promoted to interim head coach.
It is the first time that the American businessman has fired a coach mid-season in his 25 years as owner.
Saleh leaves the Jets with a miserable 20-36 record, having failed to make the playoffs in each of his three full seasons as head coach. His team went 2-3 in five games this year.
Robert Saleh has broken his silence after his shocking firing as head coach of the New York Jets.
And one day after his firing, he paid tribute to the Jets organization as a whole and wished them luck for the rest of the season.
Saleh said in a statement: “To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be grateful for the love and support of everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
‘To all the players, I truly love and appreciate each and every one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching them the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.
‘To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Each of you were “fully committed” and made sacrifices for each other that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the best of luck for the remainder of the season.
‘To the most passionate NFL fans, thank you for hugging my family. It has been a pleasure to call New York home and we will always cherish all the memories that were made here. With love and consideration, Full throttle without brakes!!!’