The camera was not kind to Robert Saleh.
Specifically, the national network TV cameras focusing in on Saleh during Jets game telecasts.
The same lens that once projected the positive image of a fist-pumping, chest-thumping, airborne defensive coordinator celebrating with his San Francisco 49ers unit coming off the field, reduced Saleh to an expressionless zombie; a bewildered sideline presence during his three-plus years as Jets coach.
Saleh’s confused sideline demeanor was not the reason Woody Johnson (now officially anointed Worst Owner in Town) jettisoned the head coach Tuesday. There were plenty of other grounds for dismissal, including his 20-36 record, propelled by instability at the quarterback position (six different dudes played quarterback during his 56 games as coach).
But while the camera only provided superficial evidence of Saleh’s makeup it gave internet pontificators, Valley of the Stupid Gasbags, Pod Heads and commentators from other media precincts, a reason to talk — something to latch on to, something to question. For some it was evidence.
A reason, to say: “See, I told you he is not a master motivator.”
More than a few babbling brooks wondered why Saleh did not interact with his players during games? Why was he mostly standing stone-like, staring straight ahead? Or sulking, head bowed? Why did he not move back to the bench to “pump up” groups of offensive or defensive players? Why did his fire on the San Francisco sideline not even flicker in Jersey?
Now, none of these TV pictures provided definitive proof of Saleh’s coaching demeanor, ability, acumen, or what makes him tick. Nonetheless, the live pictures were still effective in portraying a made-for-TV personality. They created a nagging perception (which becomes reality) in the media and also among some of the whining Jets fans who don’t need much evidence to fire a coach.
And it’s not surprising the most memorable camera shot of Saleh — one that will always be replayed when his name is mentioned around these parts — is when he attempted hugging Aaron Rodgers after the Jets took a two-score lead on the Patriots. Instead of embracing his coach, a seemingly disdainful Rodgers pushed Saleh away while simultaneously giving him the evil eye.
That picture is often offered as faux proof (over and over and over again) Rodgers and Saleh didn’t get along and it was the quarterback who actually set the trap door for the coach. It’s unlikely Saleh will cherish that TV picture or, unless he has a gallows sense of humor, place it in a video scrapbook of his NFL moments.
On Monday, it will be Jeff Ulbrich’s turn to start feeding the camera, making memories. The Jets interim head coach debuts on the biggest of stages, ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” in a key division matchup with Buffalo. It will it be the biggest night of his coaching career. A night where ESPN will have plenty of cameras, enough to chronicle Ulbrich’s every move. There will be no place to hide from any “conclusion” a sideline closeup might produce.
Just ask Robert Saleh.
A back page for Oct. 9, 2024: Saleh latest in a long line of coaches to take fall for Jets. Ulbrich asked to help save the season. Who would want to be next on Woody’s crazy plane? When the Jets come into the season with Super Bowl dreams but can only manage a 2-3 record through five games, someone has to pay, and on Tuesday, that was Robert Saleh, who is replaced by interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
JETS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The immediate “results” of Woody Johnson’s decision to guillotine Robert Saleh and install defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as “interim” head coach will be viewed by maximum eyeballs.
Monday’s tilt with Buffalo (ESPN) is the first of four-primetime games within the next six weeks. This also means Troy Aikman, a hyper-critical analyst, gets the first chance to 1) Assess Ulbrich’s plan 2) Give an unvarnished take on the physical state of Aaron Rodgers.
STOP BASHING BOB
It’s not like Bob (Rapping Roberto) Costas has forgot how to do TV baseball play-by-play.
On TBS, working Yankees-Royals ALDS with Ron Darling, Costas has not changed his style, which includes smoothly handling the mechanics, telling some stories (which apparently is now frowned upon in the Valley of the Stupid), giving viewers something to think about and daring to bring some historical perspective to the broadcast.
While no voice is water proof, they all make mistakes during a broadcast, Costas is still as entertaining as ever, especially when flashing his humorous side while down-shifting into sardonic mode.
Yet checking out many of the comments on X or under columns written about Costas, it seems many of his detractors are more prone to base their conclusions on his political bent than his play-by-play stylings.
Just thought someone should know.
TIERNEY’S LINDOR TAKE
It’s great fun watching Francisco Lindor swing for the downs in key spots during this Mets October run, then reading the commentary of FAN’s Brandon Tierney from a few months ago, when he was on a crusade to run Mr. Smile out of Flushing.
Here’s what BT said about Lindor in July: “I’ve always said he’s gonna look like a stud for 2-3 weeks but with the intermittent up and down intervals he [Lindor] was too vulnerable. Superstars aren’t so hot and so invisible. I’ll stand by that.”
Should Lindor go cold in the NLCS, make book BT dusts those lines off again.
AROUND THE DIAL
When it comes to chemistry in baseball postseason studios, TBS’ Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Martinez are the kings. Not only do they show passion when they disagree, but they deliver fresh angles and are naturally funny. Must see TV. … 880-AM’s Michael Kay seemed highly offended that during a conference call with Woody Johnson, a woman referred to the Jets owner as “Ambassador Johnson.” He was ambassador to the UK during the Trump administration. Kay said that Johnson’s desire to be referred to as “Ambassador” is “unctuous.” Confused? Is Kay saying Mr. Johnson is “Unctuous?” Is the young lady “unctuous?” Or is the situation “unctuous?” For those who still care: Unctuous means 1) Smooth and greasy like an ointment. 2) Too smooth, polite, agreeable, in speech or manner. So, Kay is actually accusing someone of being too greasy or a suck up? … Bill Belichick’s recent media appearances have succeeded in projecting his likeable side. And the coach actually does have a heart. Appearing with Mike Krzyzewski, Joe Torre and Nick Saban on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Go!” Belichick expressed regret over being unable to deliver a championship while two great Hall of Famers were playing for New England. “Two of the greatest players I’ve had, Junior Seau and Randy Moss didn’t win with us,” Belichick said. “…Those guys were such great players and we came close. It’s heartbreaking for me that I couldn’t deliver for them.” … Near the end of his Sunday press conference, after the loss to Minny in the UK, Aaron Rodgers tacked on the following line: “There will be a lot of people outside the building who won’t be sticking with the Jets.” Just wondering who he was referring to?
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DUDE OF THE WEEK: CHRISTOPHER (MAD DOG) RUSSO
For his Wednesday performance hosting ESPN’s “First Take.” Pinch hitting for Molly Qerim, Dog provided enough of his own whacky stylings and pacing. Dog even kept the panel, which included Stephen A. Smith, Jeff Saturday and Kimberley A. Martin under control — sort of.
DWEEB OF THE WEEK: MALACHI MOORE
The Alabama DB was a disgrace at the end of the Tide’s loss to Vanderbilt. Not only was he insubordinate, but his overall behavior was unacceptable. He was out of control. Still, Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s new coach landed on the player’s side declining to suspend Moore.
DOUBLE TALK
What Steve Cohen said: “That 341 is looking pretty freakin’ good right now.”
What Steve Cohen meant to say: “I’m still pretty good when it comes to knowing where to invest my money.”
https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/10/12/robert-saleh-fired-jets-woody-johnson-jeff-ulbrich/