Robert Saleh on facing Jets: We want to win Week 1, I don’t hold grudges

The first game of Robert Saleh’s second run as an NFL head coach comes against the team that gave him his first shot at the job.

Saleh’s Titans will host the Jets on September 13 and that will make the first time Saleh has faced the Jets since they fired him early in the 2024 season. During a press conference this week, Saleh said that any of his personal feelings about the way things ended are not going to be on his mind heading into the game.

“New York is still a special place,” Saleh said. “Gave me my first opportunity as a head coach. Our desire to win Week 1 and beat the Jets is because it’s Week 1 and nothing more. I am forever grateful for all the opportunity that they gave. I don’t hold grudges.”

The Titans have ex-Jets like Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers on the roster, but Saleh said he’s not worried about their ability to “keep the main thing the main thing” when facing their former team. Given how recent seasons have gone for both clubs, the chance to get to 1-0 should offer ample incentive outside of the shared history that will be in the air.