Robert Saleh says kind things about the Jets
Robert Saleh tried to downplay how badly he wants to beat the Jets. (Sorry, Robert, everyone knows you do.)
Saleh was fired as Jets coach five games into the 2024 season. He’s now the head coach of the Titans. Of course, the NFL made Jets-Titans a Week 1 game with the storyline of Saleh and the Jets facing each other.
He said he has no ill will toward the Jets, but Saleh probably is not a big fan of Woody Johnson. It was Johnson’s decision to pull the plug on Saleh with the Jets holding a 2-3 record.
“Our desire to win Week 1 and beat the Jets is because it's Week 1 and nothing more,” Saleh told reporters in Tennessee. “I’m forever grateful for all the opportunity they gave me. I don’t hold grudges.”
At least 11 players in the Jets’ regular rotation were drafted during Saleh’s tenure. Saleh, who went 20-36 as Jets coach, said he gets pumped when he turns on film and sees Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Saleh mentioned other players he coached, including Jeremy Ruckert, Olu Fashanu, Will McDonald, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Saleh said the Jets could surprise people.
“It's a really good group,” Saleh said. “They're doing a really good job and they've got a hell of an offense and chance to be really, really good. A lot of new faces on defense, a lot of guys that you respect, a lot of guys that have played a lot of really good football. A really under the radar team. I think they've got a chance to be pretty good.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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