“Rodgers Denies Involvement in Jets Head Coach Saleh’s Firing Amid Team Struggles”
Although the head coach is responsible for the overall success of the team, New York brought in Nathaniel Hackett to handle play-calling when Aaron Rodgers joined, as the two had previously worked together with the Green Bay Packers. However, Hackett has been largely ineffective, and the offensive line has struggled in recent games.
Saleh, known for his defensive expertise, built a strong unit on that side of the ball, but his lack of accountability and energy became an issue as the losses mounted. Despite this, Rodgers has expressed only respect for his former coach, as he stated on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I love coach Saleh; we’ve had a great relationship since I met him in 2021… He was a major factor in my decision to come to the Jets,” Rodgers said. “I felt the team was solid, and I already had a relationship with coach Hackett. I really liked coach Saleh.”
Since the New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, the team has been embroiled in drama reminiscent of a soap opera. Many have weighed in on the situation, but Jets tight end Tyler Conklin offered one of the most thoughtful responses on Wednesday.
According to Conklin, Aaron Rodgers had no involvement in Saleh’s dismissal, as reported by SNY.
“I don’t think anyone inside the organization believed Aaron had any influence over that decision. It’s more of an external perception that he has control over those moves,” Conklin said. “I honestly believe Aaron took the news harder than almost anyone else.”
“One of the main reasons Aaron came to the Jets was because of coach Saleh, coach Hackett, and the roster they built. The idea that Aaron was behind this is simply not true, and that’s all I’ll say.”
Amid reports that Saleh was escorted out before addressing the players and rumors that he demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett minutes before his firing, speculation has been rampant. One persistent rumor suggests Rodgers was involved in Saleh’s removal.
Does Rodgers really wield that much influence, or is Conklin right?
Although Saleh’s record of 20-36 was poor, his dismissal is unlikely to immediately solve the Jets’ offensive struggles. In their last two games, the team has managed just 26 points, and Rodgers has been sacked eight times and hit 25 times, resulting in a low ankle sprain and decreased mobility.