The timing of Robert Saleh’s firing makes no sense

Two weeks and five days ago, the Jets moved to 2-1. The offense looked sharp and effective. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked alive and well.

Two games later, the Jets are 2-3 and owner Woody Johnson fires coach Robert Saleh.

The timing doesn’t make sense, especially considering the 3-2 Bills are visiting on Monday night. Win the game and things are back on track.

Win the next game in Pittsburgh and the Jets are 4-3.

“I don’t know what the Jets owners are thinking,” Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy told PFT via text message. “You’re five games into the season and you’re getting ready to play a game for first place in your division and you fire the coach. In 1999 my Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 2-3 and we went to the NFC Championship game. I’m glad I didn’t get fired after Week 5 this year.”

There is another factor that would have made patience even more of a virtue. The next two games will be broadcast on national television in prime time. The use of an interim coach only underscores the fact that the organization remains in dysfunction.

A source with extensive coaching experience shared an interesting observation about timing. The fact that it happened now suggests that Johnson seriously considered firing Saleh after the 2023 season — and almost did. Now, after a few difficult games and the feeling that something was slowing down in the current season, Johnson did what he should have done before the start of the season.

If the Jets start winning, the nonsensical timing of the decision will make some sense. But who can say that without the change they wouldn’t have started making a profit?