There are growing signs that the New York Jets are inclined to maintain the coaching tandem of Robert Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers for another season.
In a recent article, NFL insider Dan Graziano from ESPN highlighted that the Jets’ convincing 30-6 victory over the Houston Texans at home last Sunday significantly bolstered Saleh’s prospects of returning for the next season.
“They probably would have had to lose out and see proof he was losing control in order to make a change there,” Graziano added about the Jets-Saleh situation. “Sure, it’s still possible, but I lean toward Saleh being safe.”
This victory marked a positive turn after the team had experienced a five-game losing streak, bringing their season record to 5-8, which has been less than satisfactory for the franchise.
While Saleh has a cumulative regular-season record of 16-31 as the Jets’ head coach, it’s important to note that the challenges faced this season were beyond his control. The early-season loss of Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles after just four snaps and the failure of general manager Joe Douglas to secure a reliable replacement for struggling backup quarterback Zach Wilson are factors that shouldn’t be attributed to Saleh.
Despite Wilson’s recognition as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Texans, ESPN stats reveal that he concluded Week 14 ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players, with a 32.2 adjusted QBR and 29th with a 78.2 passer rating for the season.
Throughout the fall, there has been speculation that Robert Saleh, along with Douglas and the often-criticized Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, will retain their positions due to the influence and preference of Aaron Rodgers, who is seen as playing an unofficial role in crucial decisions for the franchise.
Reports indicate that Rodgers intends to continue playing next season and may even attempt a comeback as early as the Jets’ Christmas Eve home game against the Washington Commanders.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index projected the Jets with a mere 0.3% chance of making the playoffs. Concurrently, oddschecker listed the Jets as significant 8.5-point underdogs for their upcoming game against the 9-4 Miami Dolphins this Sunday.
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