The pressure cooker environment at the New York Jets has reached boiling point as head coach Robert Saleh finds himself fighting for his professional future. Following another disappointing start to the NFL season, the organisation has made the dramatic decision to appoint Liam Coen as the new offensive coordinator, signalling significant concerns about the team's direction.
A Season on the Brink
With the Jets stumbling to a 1-3 record in the early stages of the 2025 campaign, patience within the organisation appears to have worn thin. The team's offensive struggles have been particularly glaring, despite the much-anticipated return of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers from his Achilles injury.
The statistics make for grim reading for Jets supporters. The offence ranks near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including:
- Points scored per game
- Third-down conversion rate
- Red zone efficiency
- Total yards gained
Liam Coen: The New Hope
The appointment of Liam Coen represents a significant shift in offensive philosophy. The 39-year-old coach brings an impressive pedigree, having previously worked under renowned offensive mastermind Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
Coen's most recent success came during his stint as offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky, where he transformed their offensive production and developed quarterback Will Levis into a high NFL draft pick. His offensive system emphasises:
- Quick-passing concepts to protect the quarterback
- Creative pre-snap motion to confuse defences
- Balanced run-pass play calling
- Explosive downfield opportunities
Saleh's Last Stand?
For Robert Saleh, this coaching change feels like a final roll of the dice. Hired in 2021 to bring defensive expertise and leadership to the struggling franchise, he now faces the ultimate test of his coaching career.
The coming weeks will be crucial, with insiders suggesting that team owner Woody Johnson's patience is wearing exceptionally thin. Another poor performance could spell the end of Saleh's tenure in New York, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Rodgers Relationship Under Microscope
All eyes will be on how veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers adapts to his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons with the Jets. The future Hall of Famer has historically been particular about offensive systems and play-calling, making Coen's integration particularly fascinating to observe.
The success or failure of this coaching change could define the Jets' season and potentially reshape the entire organisation's future direction, with the spectre of a complete rebuild looming if results don't improve dramatically in the coming weeks.
