Back to the New York Jets Newsfeed

Ron Middleton aces audition as Jets' acting head coach

Jets acting head coach Ron Middleton reacts during the third quarter against the Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Jim McIsaac

Ron Middleton had once run a practice as the associate head coach at Duke, and that was it for being in charge of a football team — until Wednesday with the Jets.

Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID-19. Middleton had always wanted to be a head coach, and Saleh picked his tight ends coach to play the part. Middleton ran three practices and the walk-through. Saleh said Friday that he felt good, but he wasn’t cleared Saturday to work against Jacksonville Sunday at MetLife Stadium.