New York Jets Address Coaching Change and Contract Dispute with Haason Reddick

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — In a dramatic development for the New York Jets, team owner Woody Johnson spoke publicly after dismissing head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, while also addressing the ongoing contract dispute with outside linebacker Haason Reddick. The unusual dual focus underscores a period of notable upheaval for the franchise.

During a conference call with reporters, Johnson made a direct appeal to Reddick, emphasizing the Jets’ desire to have him back in the lineup. “Haason, get in your car, drive down I-95 and come to the New York Jets,” Johnson urged. “We can meet you and give you an escort right in the building, and you’ll fit right in and you’re going to love it here and you’re going to feel welcome and you’re going to accomplish great things with us.” Reddick, based in Camden, New Jersey, is roughly a 90-minute drive from the Jets’ facility.

The 30-year-old Reddick, who was acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in March, has not participated in any team activities due to a contract dispute. Although Reddick is in the final year of a deal that pays a nonguaranteed base salary of $14.25 million, he has forfeited substantial sums by missing games. Specifically, Reddick has lost $4.2 million from his salary for not attending the first five games of the season.

Reddick’s absence comes amid a holdout seeking renegotiation of his contract. He declined a long-term offer shortly after his acquisition, anticipating further negotiations. The Jets, however, maintain that Reddick had agreed to honor his existing contract upon joining the team. The team had surrendered a conditional 2026 third-round pick to acquire the Pro Bowl edge rusher.

Among the convoluted backdrop, Johnson’s comments highlighted the rarity of the situation. “This is something I’ve never seen before,” Johnson remarked. “I don’t think any of us have seen anything like this. I think you have to be part psychologist and part something else to try and figure out what is actually going on.”

Beyond the contract issues, the Jets are managing the transition of their coaching staff. Saleh’s departure marks the first head coach change of the NFL 2024 season, and the team has named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach. The change will test the organization as it prepares for an upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson remains optimistic about resolving the standoff and integrating Reddick back into the team. “When he gets here, he will find a very welcome locker room and he’ll be able to fit right in,” Johnson stated, reinforcing the open arms awaiting Reddick’s return to action.