Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh spoke out honestly about the New York Jets before their Week 1 matchup.
When the New York Jets hired Robert Saleh to be their head coach back in 2021, there were many who felt that he would be the man to turn the franchise around.
Saleh had just put together an extremely strong run as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. He brought a hard-nosed approach to the game and expected excellent. Unfortunately, the Jets were unable to turn things around under his leadership.
In the three full years and change that he was the head coach in New York, Saleh led the Jets to a 20-36 record. He was fired after just five games in the 2024 NFL season.
After being fired by New York, Saleh ended up becoming an advisor to Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers. He then spent the 2025 season once again as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers.
This offseason, Saleh found a new head coaching opportunity. He was hired by the Tennessee Titans on a five-year contract.
With that being said, the Jets are set to face off against the Titans in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Saleh facing his old team is a storyline to watch leading up to the game.
Prior to the rematch between Saleh and his old team, he spoke out with honest thoughts about the New York franchise. He still clearly has a lot of love for his time with the Jets.
“I don’t BS when I say it: New York (the Jets) is still a special place," Saleh said.
"They gave me my first opportunity as a head coach. Our desire to win Week 1 and beat the Jets is because it’s Week 1 and nothing more. I’m forever grateful for all the opportunity they gave. I don’t hold grudges.”
New York has more head coach drama heading into the 2026 season. Aaron Glenn was hired to replace Saleh, but his first season was a disappointment. The Jets ended up with a 3-14 record last season.
Glenn has been viewed as a potential hot seat candidate entering his second year in New York. Some reports have fired back against that belief, but Glenn is still facing pressure.
Beating the Titans in Week 1 would be a nice start for the Jets. However, Saleh is hoping to turn Tennessee around into a playoff contender. Both teams are hoping to flip the script from recent years, but Saleh and Glenn are also looking to prove that they can be the leader of those turnarounds.
Kickoff between the Jets and Titans is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on September 13.
