Robert Saleh has spoken out after his shock firing as New York Jets head coach on Tuesday.
Saleh was relieved of his duties by Jets owner Woody Johnson two days on from the team’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, which followed a dismal home defeat to the Denver Broncos on September 29.
Despite still being just one win away from top spot in the AFC East, Johnson confirmed on Tuesday that the Lebanese-American is no longer in charge, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich instead elevated to interim head coach.
It marks the first time the American businessman has fired a coach mid-season in his 25 years as owner.
Saleh departs with a miserable 20-36 record as Jets head coach, having failed to reach the playoffs in each of his three full seasons. His team were 2-3 through five games this year.
Robert Saleh has broken his silence after his shock firing as New York Jets head coach
And one day on from his firing, he has paid tribute to the Jets organization as a whole while wishing 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 appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
‘To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up everyday and attacked every moment.
‘To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were “all in” and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
‘To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here. With Love and Regard, All Gas No Brake!!!’
