A New Era for the New York Jets

Ibrahim Ghazal ‘22

After the New York Jets concluded their season with only two wins, many are questioning their coaching staff and team decisions. Adam Gase, former head coach of the Jets, was fired after two losing seasons with the Jets. Gase and the New York Jets concluded the 2020-21 NFL season with a record of 2-14. For the two seasons that Gase was the head coach, the Jets’ offense ranked last. After Gase began the season with 13 consecutive losses, many became aware that his time with the New York Jets could be reaching its conclusion. The franchise hasn’t concluded a season with a record this low since 1996 when the Jets finished 1-15. The Jets also fired Gregg Williams, former defensive coordinator, after he called a blitz on the final play to lose the game against the Raiders.

The Jets haven’t successfully made the playoffs since 2010, and they haven’t had a Super Bowl run since 1968. The AFC East has displayed strong competition throughout this past season with the Buffalo Bills (13-3), Miami Dolphins (10-6), and the New England Patriots (7-9). It is clear that the Jets needed to make solid improvements to be able to compete with elite teams, such as the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. The Jets will not be able to succeed if they don’t have the correct and proper leadership to guide them. There are numerous NFL coaches who have guided their teams to multiple Super Bowls. For instance, Bill Bellicheck has coached the New England Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl wins. It is clear that the Jets need a head coach who can truly improve the team’s chemistry, performance, and skills.

However, there is good news for Jets fans out there. On January 14th, the New York Jets announced the hiring of Robert Saleh, who will also be the first Muslim head coach in NFL history. Robert Saleh previously worked as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. During the 2019-20 season, Robert Saleh’s 49ers defense played a major role in making them Super Bowl contenders.

“It’s the mindset of the person in charge that creates an atmosphere in which players compete and players fight for one another”.

Robert Saleh

Robert Saleh definitely has the potential to utilize his leadership skills to guide the New York Jets to a possible playoff run in this upcoming season.