Ah, the New York Jets, where dysfunction isn't just a bump in the road; it's practically a mission statement. The latest chapter? The abrupt firing of head coach Robert Saleh, complete with a dramatic escort out of the building by the team's director of security. It's a classic case of a franchise that just can't seem to do anything smoothly-not even firing a coach. And, really, this says a lot more about the Jets' internal chaos than it does about Saleh's shortcomings. Look, coaching changes are part of the NFL carousel, but usually, there's at least some semblance of dignity when parting ways with a head coach. Sure, the Browns infamously escorted G.M. George Kokinis out of their facility back in 2009, but it's not exactly standard operating procedure. Yet here we are, with Saleh getting the walk-out treatment, which immediately draws comparisons to how differently the Jets handled the departure of his predecessor, Adam Gase-no security detail needed for him. This time, though, it seems like team owner Woody Johnson felt the need to flex some power. It's a stone's throw from petty antics, like mispronouncing a former employee's name during a press conference. But why the urgency to give Saleh the boot after just five weeks into the season, especially with Aaron Rodgers sidelined early due to injury? The Jets brought in Rodgers with a lot of fanfare and high expectations, not to mention a recruiting effort spearheaded by none other than Saleh himself. Rodgers was supposed to be the missing piece, the superstar to finally break the Jets' 13-year playoff drought. Yet here we are, not even at the midpoint of the season, and Johnson has decided that Saleh has to go. It's a baffling move, considering that at 2-3, the Jets still had a chance to take the AFC East lead if things went their way in Week 6.

??HISTORIC: Robert Saleh is the first head coach in over two decades to be escorted out of the building by team security after being fired.

?? THE TEAM DID NOT ALLOW HIM TO ADDRESS HIS FIRING WITH THE PLAYERS. THIS IS CRAZY. A complete mess. https://t.co/WAw6Kv68Im pic.twitter.com/o4qcrTQF0e - MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 8, 2024

Now, Saleh's tenure was far from perfect-20-36 since 2021 doesn't exactly inspire confidence, even if the defense has been one of the league's better units. But the offense? A different story entirely. It sputtered under multiple quarterbacks, and yes, that was part of Saleh's downfall. Yet, the timing of his dismissal makes you wonder if the Jets ever had a plan in the first place. Was there really no other option than to shove the head coach out the door while the season was still in its early stages? If Johnson was so ready to move on, why wait until now? If that "heated argument" between Johnson and Saleh during the league meetings in Orlando earlier this year was a real factor, why not make the change during the offseason when the dust could settle quietly? Instead, this looks like a knee-jerk reaction, the kind of move that almost ensures chaos will continue to reign in the locker room. And let's be honest: teams with interim head coaches aren't exactly known for making deep postseason runs. Now, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich gets thrown into the fire as the new interim head coach, with his first task being a Monday Night Football showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Somehow, a win in that game could propel the Jets into first place in the division-a twist that would be quintessentially Jets: succeeding just after everything's been blown up.

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers speaks on Robert Saleh being fired:

"I love coach Saleh. We have a very solid relationship. He was a big reason why I came to the Jets." (via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/ITkZlko9XE - Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 9, 2024

Whether or not Saleh deserved to stay, it's hard to argue that the Jets' approach makes any sense. It's one thing to shake up the leadership when a team is hopelessly out of contention, but New York still had a pulse, even if it was faint. Instead, the Jets are back to their usual antics, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. At the end of the day, this is just another chapter in the Jets' ongoing saga of dysfunction, and unless Rodgers makes a miraculous comeback to turn things around, it's hard to see this season ending any differently than the last 13 years-now with an extra layer of drama for good measure.

Statement from Robert Saleh:

"To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive. To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate... pic.twitter.com/I4n9zYhKFd - Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2024