The NFL world is abuzz with the news that the New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after starting the season 2-3. Going into this year, the Jets (and many others) expected to be Super Bowl contenders with the return of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers from a torn Achilles that he suffered in 2023.
In addition to having Rodgers back, general manager Joe Douglas also signed wide receiver Mike Williams and left tackle Tyrone Smith in free agency. He also used New York’s top draft picks on key offensive positions.
But the offense has been less than exemplary all season long despite these supposed improvements. Fans have been calling for offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who calls the plays, to be fired since last season. And it sounds like Saleh was preparing to do just that but was fired himself instead.
Former New York Jets Hired Nathaniel Hackett to Lure Aaron Rodgers
As fans may recall, the Green Bay Packers and Rodgers went through a fairly nasty divorce after the 2022 NFL season. The future Hall of Fame quarterback refused to answer phone calls from Packers general manager, Brian Gutekunst, blaming his poor cell signal at his home in California.
Once Rodgers and the Packers agreed that that they would part ways, there were a plethora of teams interested in trading for the four-time NFL MVP. The Jets were the team that did the most to convince him that they were serious about winning and giving him the control that he wanted on offense.
They hired Hackett as their offensive coordinator because Rodgers won two MVP Awards with him in the same position in Green Bay. Rodgers has often spoken very highly of Hackett, so New York felt that getting one of his favorite coaches would help their case.
In addition, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. The former was signed before Rodgers was traded in an effort to recruit him. The latter was signed afterwards.
Former New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh Was Going to Fire Nathaniel Hackett
After Saleh was fired, a report was released on CBS Sports that stated that the former head coach was getting ready to fire Hackett because of the offense’s poor performance so far this season. However, owner Woody Johnson fired the head coach instead.
“Sources say Saleh could have made the move to fire Hackett as early as Tuesday, which is when Johnson ultimately made the decision on Saleh himself,” Jonathan Jones wrote.
What is interesting about this report is that Johnson admitted to reporters today that he spoke with Rodgers on Monday night. However, he claims that they did not discuss Saleh or the coaching situation, and that the decision to fire the head coach came from himself (Johnson) and no one else.
While there is no evidence to the contrary, many fans may not believe it and accuse Rodgers of getting his coach fired.
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