Another big-name Jets star endorses Robert Saleh, coaches

Cornerback and 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is the latest big-name New York Jets player to back head coach Robert Saleh amid a disappointing season for the franchise. 

"I don’t think we are where we are right now because of coaching," Gardner told Brian Costello of the New York Post about the 5-9 Jets. "I’m a young player. It could be easy for me to say, 'Yeah, it’s all on the coaching.' But when I really thought about everything, it’s really like, bro, we’ve just been unfortunate. Injuries, penalties, so many things that could be avoided. It is what it is." 

Insiders raised questions about Saleh's job security after some Jets players seemed to publicly question the team's coaching and heart following this past Sunday's 30-0 loss at the Miami Dolphins that ended New York's pursuit of a postseason berth. Since then, Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have defended the club's coaching staff. 

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported Tuesday that "the sense at One Jets Drive is" that at least Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas will be able to run it back for another season after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles four snaps into his official Jets debut on Sept. 11. 

"I see a lot of things about how certain coaches should be fired and everything," Gardner added. "I don’t think that’s the case. Coming into it, the coaches, Joe, Saleh, they did a great job at bringing a lot of important pieces in. We were just unfortunate with injuries and everything. I wish Aaron was able to be on that field throughout the season." 

Saleh likely appreciates such support, but the fact remains that Gardner and others inside the locker room may spend the next several weeks trying to save the job of a coach who thus far has accumulated a record of 16-32 since 2021. 

As of late Wednesday morning, oddschecker listed the Jets as three-point favorites for this Sunday's home game against the 4-10 Washington Commanders.