Firing of Jets' Head Coach Robert Saleh

Turning Struggles into Success: Lessons for Business Leaders from the Firing of Jets' Head Coach Robert Saleh

In sports, as in business, leadership is often the first place people look when things aren't going right.

The New York Jets recently made headlines by parting ways with their head coach, Robert Saleh, after a disappointing 20-36 record over more than three seasons. While this decision might seem specific to the sports world, it offers valuable lessons for struggling businesses and leaders. As a business consultant, I've helped companies in challenging situations, and Saleh's firing reminds me of similar leadership dilemmas business owners face when they realize, "We are not where we should be."

Leadership Accountability: The Buck Stops Here

In sports, the head coach is the face of the franchise's success or failure.

Similarly, in business, the CEO or owner is responsible for the direction and performance of the company. Leaders are often held accountable when things don't go according to plan. This isn't just about taking the blame but about owning the responsibility for steering the organization in the right direction. As a consultant, I often see leaders reluctant to admit when the strategy isn't working, which can delay much-needed change. The Jets' move to release Saleh illustrates the hard truth: sometimes, even a great leader in the wrong situation needs to be replaced for the organization to succeed.

Success is More Than Just Numbers

Saleh's 20-36 record indicated that the team needed to achieve its goals.

In business, it's easy to look at revenue, profit margins, or market share and think they tell the whole story. But numbers alone don't capture everything. Business leaders must consider the intangibles that drive success—team morale, customer satisfaction, and the company's reputation. I often work with businesses that are hyper-focused on financial metrics but fail to notice the warning signs in these areas. By the time they call for help, the underlying issues have often snowballed into much larger problems.

Making the Hard Decisions

Firing a coach mid-season is a challenging choice. It disrupts the team and forces everyone to adjust to new leadership.

However, in sports, just like in business, tough decisions are sometimes necessary for long-term success. When companies need to meet their goals, executives often face similarly difficult decisions: restructuring teams, closing down unprofitable product lines or even letting go of critical people. These decisions can feel painful in the moment, but they are often necessary to achieve sustainable growth.

I've guided many businesses through periods of uncertainty and significant change.

I've learned that delaying these decisions out of fear or indecision can be more damaging in the long run. Just like the Jets had to boldly change their trajectory, businesses must be willing to take decisive action when they realize they are off course.

Rebuilding Culture and Strategy

After a significant leadership change, sports teams often need to rebuild their culture and strategy.

The same is true in business. A toxic or misaligned company culture can be the root cause of poor performance. Leaders must ask themselves: Is our culture setting us up for success? Are we encouraging innovation, teamwork, and accountability?

I've worked with companies whose culture wasn't aligned with their business goals.

In these cases, no new strategy or product innovation could fix the deeper issues. It wasn't until we addressed the culture—empowering employees, aligning teams with company values, and creating a more collaborative environment—that the business began to turn around.

Adaptability: A Key to Success

Saleh's tenure with the Jets highlights the importance of adaptability.

Sticking to a strategy that's not working, whether on the football field or in the boardroom, can be disastrous. Businesses must be flexible enough to adapt to market shifts, changing customer preferences, and evolving technology. Failing to do so can lead to stagnation and decline.

I often advise companies to build adaptability into their core strategy.

This means constantly assessing the market, reviewing performance, and being willing to pivot when necessary. The best businesses I've worked with are the ones that don't just react to change but anticipate it. They invest in innovation, keep an ear to the ground, and embrace the idea that what works today may not work tomorrow.

Conclusion: Finding the Path to Success

Like the New York Jets are searching for a new direction, struggling businesses must continually evaluate their leadership, strategy, and culture.

The firing of a head coach may seem drastic, but sometimes, a fresh perspective is needed. As a business consultant, my passion is helping companies stuck in their current situation find a path forward. It's not about assigning blame or pointing fingers—it's about finding solutions and setting the business on the right track.

When companies are willing to take a hard look at where they are and make the necessary changes, they can achieve success—even after a rocky start. The road to success may not be easy, but with the right leadership and strategy, businesses can overcome their struggles and thrive. Marco Giunta ??