The New York Jets made a surprising move by firing head coach Robert Saleh after a pair of consecutive losses, which left the team with a 2-3 record. Although owner Woody Johnson consulted with general manager Joe Douglas, he emphasized that the decision to let go of Saleh was ultimately his own. Johnson didn’t offer much detail on why he chose this moment but stated that it simply felt like the right time to make a change.
Speculation quickly followed the firing, with Joe Benigno, a former radio host and die-hard Jets fan, offering a controversial theory. Benigno suggested that Saleh’s dismissal could be linked to his choice of attire during a game in London, where he wore a black Jets sweatshirt featuring the Lebanese flag. This raised eyebrows given the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, especially the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group, and Israel.
Benigno’s comments touched on sensitive political issues, as he noted the escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. He wondered if Saleh’s public display of the Lebanese flag might have contributed to his firing, particularly at a time when tensions in the region are high. The timing of the flag display, just before the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, fueled further speculation.
However, Saleh’s wearing of the Lebanese flag is not new or unusual. He has previously worn the patch as part of the NFL’s Heritage Program, which allows players and coaches to honor their cultural backgrounds. Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, has used this opportunity to recognize his heritage since the program’s inception, without previous controversy. His visible pride in his background had not been a problem in prior seasons or games.
In his time with the Jets, Saleh compiled a 20-36 record over three and a half seasons, failing to achieve a winning season. Although there has been much discussion about the potential impact of his cultural background and attire, it is likely that his overall performance as a coach was the primary factor in the decision to part ways. Despite the speculation, the exact reasons behind his firing remain unclear.
