Aaron Rodgers insists he had no role in Robert Saleh’s firing as New York Jets coach, calling such claims “patently false.”
The quarterback made his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, a day after Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Saleh after the team got off to a 2-3 start in his fourth season as manager.
Earlier this season, Mr Rodgers was forced to deny there was any tension between him and Mr Saleh, and there was speculation that he had influenced Mr Johnson, but Mr Johnson He said Tuesday that the decision was “my decision and my decision alone.”
“As far as the ridiculous allegations that are out there, I’m not going to spend more than a sentence on them,” Rogers said. “And I’m outraged because those accusations are obviously false. And what’s interesting is that people think I have power that I don’t have.”
Rodgers acknowledged that he spoke with Johnson during a “nice call” Monday night, but the owner asked how Johnson is doing after spraining his ankle in the Jets’ loss to Minnesota on Sunday in London. He said he only asked if that was the case. Johnson and Rogers said nothing has been discussed about Saleh’s future.
“Woody has no obligation to let me know his plans,” Rogers said. “I was grateful for the call that he was checking on me.”
Rodgers said the move to sack Saleh was a reminder of how “tough business” football is and that there was a human side to such decisions. He named Saleh’s family members, including one of the coach’s seven children with whom he befriended during team practices. Mr. Rogers also reiterated that he and Mr. Saleh are not at odds.
“I love Coach Saleh,” Rodgers said. “We have a very strong relationship. … He was a big reason I came to the Jets.”
The four-time NFL MVP was acquired by New York from Green Bay in April 2023. His addition raised Super Bowl hopes, but Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon four times in his debut last season, and the Jets finished 7-10 without him.
New York entered this season with similar aspirations, but two poor games and inconsistent play from Rodgers and the offense left Coach Johnson concerned that the team was heading in the wrong direction.
Rodgers often spoke about players taking responsibility, including himself. “I’ve got to play better, and I will,” Rodgers insisted. “We have a lot to play for.”
The Jets will play the Buffalo Bills at home on Monday night, and a win would give them a share of first place in the AFC East.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as the Jets’ interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rodgers said the team has embraced Ulbrich, echoing some of the manager’s comments Tuesday that some changes are needed moving forward under new leadership.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s position as primary play-caller is unclear. Hackett and Rodgers have a strong relationship dating back to their time together in Green Bay. But the quarterback said he’s “in favor” of any changes Ulbrich makes.
