According to sources, Jets fired coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start

The New York Jets have fired coach Robert Saleh after starting the season 2-3, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim coach, a source told ESPN.

Saleh, signed by the Jets in 2021, had a 20-36 record as the team’s head coach.

Saleh’s firing marks the first time in owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure that he has fired a coach midseason. After a 7-10 finish last season, Johnson admitted he was angry about the result and raised the stakes for Saleh by demanding significant improvement.

The Jets entered the 2024 season with high expectations. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned after just four games from an Achilles tendon injury that wiped out his 2023 season, but they struggled on offense.

Quarterback instability marked Saleh’s tenure, as the Jets fielded six different quarterbacks in his four seasons: Zach Wilson (33 games), Mike White (7), Rodgers (6), Joe Flacco (5), Trevor Siemian (3), and Tim Boyle (2).

Saleh’s tenure was marked by strong defense and poor offense, largely due to instability at quarterback. They selected Wilson No. 2 overall in his first season, but he struggled mightily and was ultimately benched last season and replaced by Rodgers, who tore his Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of the season.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini contributed to this report.