New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and former coach Rex Ryan engage in a social media feud over the weekend. The former head coach is disgusted by the product being presented on a weekly basis by Saleh and voices his opinions very strongly on ESPN Radio’s Dipietro and Rothenberg, per ESPN. Ryan questioned his coaching ability and made clear he feels insulted when comparisons are brought between the two.
“This guy is supposed to be a defensive expert,” Ryan stated. “I take it personally. I heard he’s similar to me, but without the flaws. Some of those flaws are necessary, and this team lacks the heart to play with them. That’s what disappoints me.
“Don’t compare this Robert Saleh guy to me. Once they had a good defense statistically (with the San Francisco 49ers). Four out of five times they finished last in their division. They’ll likely finish last again, so he’s used to it. I’m annoyed when I hear his background is similar to yours. It’s not. It’s not.”
Rex Ryan sounded off on Robert Saleh 😳 pic.twitter.com/X9NILhy4VQ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 15, 2021
This is a brutally honest assessment, even by Rex Ryan standards.
Rex absolutely tears into the #Jets coaching staff, specifically Robert Saleh. https://t.co/4FsJq7La2w
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) November 15, 2021
Saleh responding to sharp criticism, fired back at Ryan early Monday.
“I’ve never met Rex. I’ve never had a conversation with Rex,” Saleh said in his weekly spot on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio. “I don’t even know him except for people who know him throughout the league. Obviously, if it’s that personal to him, he knows where to find me.”
Robert Saleh, on @TMKSESPN, responds to Rex Ryan criticism. Saleh says he doesn't know Rex, never met him, then adds: "Obviously, if it's that personal for him, he knows where to find me."
Surprised? "Nah, I'm not surprised by him. He's always got something to say." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 15, 2021
Saleh didn’t stop there. He was asked if he was surprised by Ryan’s comments, he said, “Nah, I’m not surprised by him. He’s always got something to say.”
New York Jets Struggle Continue
While the criticism was a bit harsh, nonetheless, this doesn’t mean it’s not valid. The New York Jets have struggled throughout the year. The first-year coach is under fire because the Jets are 2-7 with a historically awful defense, per ESPN. The defense is ranked last in the major statistical categories. The Jets have given up 175 points within the last four games. This is the second-highest amount of points allowed since the merger in 1970, per source.
Although the Jets are struggling, Saleh is committed to the Jets and still believes in their young team. He believes they can gel into something special but the adversity they have faced this year with injuries, and just unwarranted mistakes by coaching or the players. Saleh remains devoted to the Jets fan base and believes in the process.
“I’m just as frustrated as everybody else and my promise to Jets fans is, this thing is going to flip,” he told reporters on a Zoom call. “The support is always warranted. The criticism is always warranted. You reap what you sow, right? This thing is going to flip. I know in my heart it’s going to flip.
“This thing’s going to turn, and when it does, it’s going to be freakin’ awesome.”
