Robert Saleh is preparing to be miserable.

The Jets’ first-year head coach, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, is expecting to miss the game Sunday against the Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. In preparation for that experience, he spoke to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who has missed two games due to the virus the past two seasons. Stefanski told him the hardest part will arrive at kickoff.

“Sunday’s going to be miserable,” Stefanski told Saleh.

“So I’m looking for misery,” Saleh said with a sardonic laugh Friday over Zoom, in his first public comments since he contracted COVID-19.

Saleh tested positive Wednesday after reporting symptoms. The 42-year-old said he is feeling good, but he remains in isolation at a nearby hotel and has yet to clear protocols to return. Four of his kids have the virus, but are symptom-free. He has been involved in virtual meetings, but cannot attend practices. If he can’t return, tight ends coach Ron Middleton will step in.

“We’re proceeding as if I’m not coaching on Sunday,” Saleh said. “If I do come up with two negatives, it would be an easy adjustment. But we’re operating as if I will not be there Sunday.”

Later, he added: “It’s frustrating, but at the same time it’s things that everybody’s having to deal with.”

The 56-year-old Middleton, who has coached in college and the NFL since 1997 following a nine-year career in the league, may find himself in uncharted territory. He has never been an NFL coordinator, let alone a head coach. He will have to make decisions that are new to him, such as when to go for it on fourth down or when to throw the challenge flag. He will be the boss.

“We’re going to meet [Saturday] extensively about the approach that we want to take, and I’ve listened to the communication between Robert, and [Matt] Burke, our game-management guy,” Middleton said.

This won’t be a normal Sunday for the Jets, and not just because Saleh likely won’t be there. They have 17 players on the COVID-19 list after activating wide receiver Jeff Smith and special-teamer Justin Hardee on Friday. That group includes five defensive starters and starting guards Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Saleh doesn’t expect any other players to get activated prior to Sunday, so it will be a makeshift unit for their most winnable remaining game of the season. Without starting safeties Elijah Riley (concussion) and Ashtyn Davis (COVID-19), the Jets had to bring in two veterans, Will Parks and Kai Nacua, this week.

Last week, the NFL moved three games back due to outbreaks, but that doesn’t appear to be under consideration for the Jets-Jaguars contest, which will feature the top two selections in the draft, quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence.

“No, it’s not my decision to make,” Saleh said, when asked if he hoped the game would be pushed back. “We’re preparing for Jacksonville unless someone says otherwise.”

It has been a trying year for the Jets and Saleh. They are 3-11, in the midst of their third three-game losing streak of the season. And not only will they be significantly shorthanded, but their coach may have to watch the game from his hotel room.

“Everyone has to go through adversity. Adversity is what shapes everything,” Saleh said. “Obviously this whole season has been filled with adversity, and why not finish it with a little bit more?”