On Monday, Jets owner Woody Johnson made the decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed rumors suggesting he played a role in Saleh’s dismissal, calling such claims “patently false.”
“I’m not going to spend more than one sentence responding to the ridiculous allegations out there,” Rodgers said. “I resent any of those accusations because they are just not true. It’s interesting how much power people think I have, which I don’t.”
Rodgers confirmed that he spoke with Johnson on Monday night in what he described as a “nice call.” However, the conversation did not delve into Saleh’s future; Johnson simply checked in on Rodgers after he sprained his ankle during the Jets’ recent loss to Minnesota in London.
“Woody has no obligation to inform me of his plans,” he noted. “I appreciated the call just to see how I was feeling.”
Rodgers reflected on the challenges of football management and the human aspect of such decisions. “It’s a tough business,” he said, expressing concern for Saleh’s family, especially for one of the coach’s seven children with whom he had developed a bond during practices. He also made it clear that he and Saleh shared a strong relationship and were not at odds.
“I love Coach Saleh,” Rodgers affirmed. “We have a very solid relationship… He was a big reason why I came to the Jets.” Making the move to the team in April 2023, Rodgers arrived with Super Bowl aspirations. However, a torn Achilles tendon in his debut last season contributed to a disappointing 7-10 finish without him on the field.
As this season progresses, Johnson has grown increasingly concerned about the team’s direction following a two-game losing streak and inconsistent performances from the offense, including Rodgers himself.
Taking accountability, Rodgers stated, “I’ve got to play better – I will. We’ve got a lot to play for.” With a crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills on tap for Monday night, a victory could place the Jets in a tie for first place in the AFC East.
In the wake of Saleh’s exit, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rodgers expressed his support for Ulbrich, emphasizing the need for new leadership. The status of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as the primary play caller remains up in the air, but Rodgers indicated he stands behind whatever changes Ulbrich chooses to implement. “I’m on board,” he declared, “with whatever changes we need to make moving forward.”
