New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers firmly denied any involvement in the team’s decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh, calling the speculation “ridiculous” and “patently false.” During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Rodgers directly addressed the rumors that have been circulating since Saleh’s dismissal on Tuesday.
Rodgers, who has been the subject of significant scrutiny since the firing, expressed his dismay at the suggestion that he played any part in the Jets’ decision-making process. “That’s just not true,” Rodgers said emphatically. “I love Saleh. I have a solid relationship with him. The idea that I had a role in his firing is ridiculous.”
Rodgers emphasized that Saleh was one of the primary reasons he was drawn to the Jets in the first place. When Rodgers orchestrated his move from the Green Bay Packers to New York in the offseason, Saleh’s leadership and vision for the team played a significant role in his decision to come to the Jets. “One of the biggest reasons I wanted to come here was because of him,” Rodgers revealed during the interview.
Saleh’s firing came after the Jets’ 2-3 start to the 2024 season, a disappointing record given the high expectations placed on the team following Rodgers’ arrival. However, Rodgers was quick to defend his former head coach, acknowledging the difficult nature of the NFL. “It’s a tough business,” Rodgers said. “The NFL is unforgiving, and sometimes the wrong people get blamed when things go south. But Saleh is a great coach, and I loved working with him.”
The firing of Saleh has sparked significant debate in the football world, with many speculating that Rodgers’ influence on the organization played a role. While Rodgers is known to have a close relationship with team ownership and general manager Joe Douglas, he made it clear that he was not involved in the decision. “I didn’t have anything to do with this. I didn’t make any calls or push for any changes. It was their decision, and it had nothing to do with me.”
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Saleh’s tenure with the Jets ended with a 20-36 record over four seasons, without a playoff appearance. While his defensive schemes earned praise, the team’s offensive struggles—particularly after Rodgers’ shaky start to the 2024 season—became too significant to overlook. Despite Saleh’s best efforts, the pressure mounted quickly, and Jets owner Woody Johnson ultimately opted for a coaching change.
Rodgers’ defense of Saleh has underscored the respect he had for his now-former coach, and his frustration with the rumors surrounding the firing. “We had a great working relationship,” Rodgers continued. “This wasn’t something that I wanted or had any part in. Saleh was one of the reasons I came to New York, and I have nothing but respect for him.”
With Saleh gone, the Jets have turned to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach while the team navigates a challenging period. As for Rodgers, he remains focused on leading the Jets back on track and distancing himself from the off-field controversies. “Right now, it’s about moving forward and making sure we get things right on the field,” Rodgers concluded.
As the Jets adjust to life without Saleh, Rodgers’ comments may help to quell rumors of internal strife. However, the road ahead remains uncertain as the team faces growing pressure to turn their season around.
