Is this why Robert Saleh got fired? Jets legend’s fascinating comments resurface in wake of coach’s brutal exit
Robert Saleh was fired by the Jets just days after Eric Mangini branded their London game a must-win because of Woody Johnson’s former role as US ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The Jets were beaten 23-17 by the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The loss saw New York fall to 2-3 for the season.
It also proved the final straw for Saleh, who became the first New York boss since 1976 to be replaced midseason.
In a statement, Jets owner Johnson explained that the head coach was fired because ‘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.’
But in the wake of Tuesday’s decision, comments by former Jets head coach Mangini resurfaced. Speaking ahead of the game in London, he said: ‘This is an absolute must-win and here’s why – Woody Johnson was the 66th ambassador to the UK.
Robert Saleh was fired as head coach of the New York Jets after a 2-3 start to the season
New York owner Woody Johnson is a former US ambassador to the United Kingdom
‘All of his buddies are going to be over there and after the game – when he’s eating tea and crumpets – he’s going to want to be talking about his team and how successful they are.’
Johnson served as ambassador to the UK between 2017 and 2021. Saleh agreed to take over as Jets head coach six days before he left his post.
‘This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,’ Johnson’s statement read.
‘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.’