The New York Jets caught the NFL world by surprise Tuesday when they let go of head coach Robert Saleh after a tough loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Many speculated that quarterback Aaron Rodgers played a significant role in the firing of Saleh due to the strings he’s been able to pull since arriving in New York.
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers’ role in the firing of Robert Saleh was revealed
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Saleh’s relationship with Rodgers was not “fractured.” Shultz reported that the firing came solely from owner Woody Johnson.
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. https://t.co/syDwzCiXZn pic.twitter.com/nvBIuEQWsg
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 8, 2024
It was later reported that Saleh was considering demoting and/or firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who only became a member of Saleh’s staff because it is who Rodgers wanted. While it still has not been officially reported that the potential demotion/firing of Hackett caused Rodgers to get Saleh fired, many fans and analysts are speculating just that.
hearing the news that his buddy OC Hackett might be fired, Aaron Rodgers picked up the red phone on Monday night direct to Woody Johnson’s private line and told him to fire Saleh
that is exactly how this story is shaping up https://t.co/K2QtfzfnW3
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 8, 2024
Robert Saleh wanted to keep Mike LaFleur as his OC. Zach Wilson/Woody Johnson got him fired.
He didn’t want to hire Nathaniel Hackett. That was an Aaron Rodgers decision.
Now, Hackett gets Saleh fired while he keeps his job.
This is cruel, cruel world we live in.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 8, 2024
Robert Saleh goes down, while Nate Hackett survives….the unchecked power of a 40 year old Aaron Rodgers knows no bounds
— Gator 🏈 (@TheFFGator) October 8, 2024
People were already questioning the relationship between Rodgers and Saleh
Rodgers outwardly supported Saleh on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as listed in an article from Fox Sports. People were questioning the relationship between the two after a shove occurred on the sideline during the game against the New England Patriots.
The Jets fired Robert Saleh. It was more than just a shove. https://t.co/4ih4Mvjbv2
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 8, 2024
“There’s always going to be messaging and narratives out there, and you have two choices,” Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “You can ride the wave — really, a roller coaster — or you can say, “F— it, I don’t care.’ And I’m the latter. I don’t get into what the conversation is going on outside the building around myself.
“The relationships that I have — the most important ones — are looking a guy in the eye, in the locker room or in a meeting room, and knowing he’s got your back, and you got his back.”
Rodgers threw three interceptions in the loss to the Vikings while the Jets defense allowed just 36 points in three games, largely because of defensive-minded Saleh’s influence.
More NFL and College Football Articles from Andrew Kusleika on Gridiron Heroics:
Nebraska Cornhuskers DC Admits Upcoming Opposing RB is Best Competition Yet
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes NIL Bill That Would Provide Transparency
Former Green Bay Packers Star, National Champion Arrested for ‘Extreme DUI’
Stephen A. Smith Says Leaving the Kansas City Chiefs Was an All-Time Career Blunder for Tyreek Hill
Get More NFL and College Football Content from Andrew Kusleika
For more news and trends in the NFL and college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.
Our Partners