New York Jets fans are dreaming of a return for Bill Belichick after Robert Saleh was fired as head coach on Tuesday.
Saleh has been relieved of his duties after three-and-a-half years in charge of the Jets, with Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London proving the final straw for owner Woody Johnson.
While confirming the decision, Johnson also announced that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been placed in interim charge of the team until the end of the season.
But Jets fans have other ideas.
In the wake of Saleh’s firing, 72-year-old Belichick – who is currently dating a 23-year-old cheerleader – has emerged as their preferred candidate to replace Saleh a quarter of a century since his last spell as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator ended.
New York Jets fans are dreaming of a return for Bill Belichick after Robert Saleh was fired
Saleh has been relieved of his duties after three-and-a-half years in charge of the Jets
One user wrote on X: ‘Welcome to the New York Jets, Bill Belichick’.
Another commented: ‘It’s time for Big Bill Belichick to return. Woody Johnson should immediately set it up without wasting any moment’.
‘The #Jets need to get on the phone right now and offer whatever it takes to get Bill Belichick,’ said a third. ‘Bill will get his revenge on NE, and the Jets will get a coach who knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl.’
One simply put: ‘Super Bowl hopes still alive. Belichick is coming’.
While another joked: ‘Everyone always says Bill Belichick wouldn’t coach the team because he hates the Jets, but doesn’t hating the Jets mean you’re true, real deal Jets fan?’
Belichick failed to land another job in the NFL this season after calling time on his iconic 24-year reign as New England Patriots head coach at the end of the 2023 campaign.
Instead, he has thrown himself into the world of broadcasting as an analyst for Inside the NFL and ESPN2’s Manningcast alongside Peyton and Eli Manning.
Fans have taken to X to call for Belichick’s return 25 years after his previous spell with the team
He worked as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Jets from 1997-99
The Jets failed to qualify for the playoffs in two seasons out of three during that time
The seven-time Super Bowl winner has also found love away from football with new girlfriend Jordan Hudson, who is almost 50 years his junior.
Last month ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Belichick is eyeing a return to coaching in 2025, but he will be ‘choosy’ about which team it comes with.
During his time as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, the Jets failed to qualify for the playoffs in two seasons out of three, losing the 1998 AFC Championship game in the other.
The Jets have endured a miserable start to the NFL season despite star quarterback Aaron Rodgers being back to full health, with their latest setback against the Vikings leaving them with a losing 2-3 record.
Saleh, who became the NFL’s first ever Muslim-American head coach when he joined the Jets in 2021, departs with a dismal 20-36 record after failing to make the playoffs in each of his three full seasons.
His firing on Tuesday marks the very first time Johnson has dropped the axe on a head coach in the middle of a season in his 25 years as owner. The last head coach the Jets had to replace mid-season was Lou Holtz back in 1976.
Belichick failed to land another NFL job after calling time on his 24-year reign as Patriots coach
But the 72-year-old has found love away from football with new girlfriend Jordan Hudson, 23
‘This morning, l informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,’ Johnson confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. ‘I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward.
‘This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.’
‘Jeff Ulbrich will serve as our Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season,’ Johnson continued. ‘He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason.’
