When the news broke that the New York Jets had fired head coach Robert Saleh, many were quick to point fingers at Aaron Rodgers, speculating that the star quarterback may have played a role in the decision. Some even suggested that Rodgers, whether through subtle approval or outright request, had pushed team owner Woody Johnson to pull the trigger on Saleh’s dismissal.
The rumors linking Rodgers to Saleh’s firing were not without some basis. For weeks, there had been whispers about tension between the two, with observers citing strange interactions on the sidelines and Rodgers’ body language as signs of discontent.
Despite both Rodgers and Saleh publicly insisting that their relationship was fine, many fans and analysts were skeptical, suspecting that there was more going on behind the scenes.
However, a new report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz is challenging that narrative. According to Schultz, the relationship between Rodgers and Saleh was actually in good shape, and the decision to fire Saleh was made solely by Woody Johnson without input from the quarterback.
Schultz took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the situation, writing, “Robert Saleh’s relationship with Aaron Rodgers was NOT fractured, despite speculation, according to multiple sources. The two were getting along. The firing of Robert Saleh was carried out solely by Woody Johnson this morning.”
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While the report suggests that the relationship between Rodgers and Saleh was stable, fans were not entirely convinced. Many questioned the validity of Schultz’s sources, with some speculating that the information could have been influenced by Rodgers’ camp in an effort to distance the quarterback from the firing.
“Oh stop it. He doesn’t get fired without Rodgers’ ok,” one fan commented in response to the report, expressing disbelief that Rodgers could have been left out of such a major decision. Another chimed in, “Like Woody and Rodgers haven’t talked? Please,” implying that it’s unlikely the Jets’ owner would make such a significant move without consulting his star quarterback.
Other fans pointed out that Rodgers seemed to have been given considerable control over the offense, which could explain why there may have been little friction between him and Saleh. “Why would they have problems? Saleh handed Rodgers the offense. Hackett and the rest of the offensive staff need to go too,” one user remarked, highlighting offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s role in running the offense under Rodgers’ guidance.
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets ended with a 20-36 record over three-plus seasons, marked by a lack of consistency on offense regardless of who was playing quarterback.
While the Jets had high hopes for the season with Rodgers under center, his injury in Week 1 derailed their plans, leaving Saleh to manage a struggling team with backup quarterback Zach Wilson.
Despite the challenges, many expected Saleh to last through the season, which is why his sudden firing has sparked so much speculation about what led to the decision.
Although Saleh may not have found sustained success with the Jets, he is expected to land on his feet elsewhere, likely as a high-profile defensive coordinator or head coach candidate in the future. However, the rest of the Jets’ coaching staff and front office may not be as fortunate.
With the team underperforming and sitting at 2-3, more changes could be on the horizon by the end of the season, especially if the team fails to turn things around.
For now, the debate over Rodgers’ involvement in Saleh’s firing will likely continue, with fans and analysts weighing the quarterback’s influence within the organization.
Regardless of who was ultimately responsible for the decision, the Jets now face the challenge of rebuilding their coaching staff and trying to salvage what remains of the 2024 season.
