On Tuesday, the New York Jets shocked the NFL world by firing head coach Robert Saleh after the team’s 2-3 start.
During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers discussed the Saleh firing, where the team goes from here, and much more.
Aaron Rodgers Denies Speculation That He Got Robert Saleh Fired
Over the last 24 hours, there has been speculation that Rodgers played a role in Saleh’s firing, especially after it was reported that Saleh was planning to fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, whom Rodgers is very close with since their days together with the Green Bay Packers.
However, Rodgers responded to those accusations during his interview with McAfee.
“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not gonna spend more than one sentence in response to it, and that is: I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false,” Rodgers said. “It’s interesting — the amount of power that people think I have, which I don’t. I love Robert.”
"I resent any of those accusations, because they are patently false. It's interesting, the amount of power that people think I have, which I don't."
– Aaron Rodgers on Robert Saleh's firing
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/5tBeMmdut3
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 9, 2024
Rodgers added that Saleh was one of the reasons why he initially wanted to join the Jets, describing him as “a fantastic human being,” “a damn good football coach,” and “a family man.”
“I love Coach Saleh. We have a very solid relationship, we have since I met him in 2021,” Rodgers said. “He was a big reason why I came to the Jets. I felt like the team was a solid team.”
Later, Rodgers pointed out that there are people hurting right now, so people online shouldn’t be celebrating this news.
“Thank you to Robert, and thanks for bringing me in and getting on board with that. … I’m thankful for Robert. I’m thankful for his leadership for our team. I’m thankful for the conversations that we were able to have, and him trusting me and the way he cared about his players.
“And big love out to his family — his wife, their kids, especially Adam. Sending you a big hug, buddy. Just remember that there’s a human side to this. There’s the humanity in all this. There’s a family and extended family that’s really hurting.”
"I'd like to say thank you to Robert & I'm thankful that he brought me in..
He cares about his players & he trusted us..
I care about my teammates & I care about winning..
I'm gonna play better & we have a lot to play for..
It's time for us as a team to stick together"… pic.twitter.com/5zv3Qxo7vm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024
This all lines up with what Rodgers’ teammates have said about the firing. On Wednesday, Jets tight end Tyler Conklin told reporters that Rodgers took the news of Saleh’s firing “harder than almost anybody.”
Also, Jets owner Woody Johnson described this as “my decision and mine alone.”
Rodgers did take some blame for the Saleh firing, pointing out that his poor performance in New York’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings in London contributed to this move.
“We need, as players, to take accountability for what has happened,” Rodgers said. “If I’d played better on Sunday, this doesn’t happen. As somebody who takes a lot of pride in their performance, that was the main sentiment for me yesterday.”
Where Do the Jets Go From Here?
Replacing Saleh is Jeff Ulbrich, who was previously the Jets’ defensive coordinator. Ulbrich is a former NFL linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000 to 2009. This is the 47-year-old’s first head coaching gig, but he’s been coaching since 2010 and has had stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and UCLA Bruins.
Rodgers talked about embracing Ulbrich’s philosophy and where the Jets will go from here.
“I’m not sure [what changes will be made]. Out of deference and respect to Robert, it’s not gonna be wholesale changes, I don’t think,” Rodgers said.
“But Ulbrich is gonna add his own style to it, and he does a great job with the defense. I’ve gone against him over the years in his different coaching capacities, and I believe we were both playing at the same time too, so we have a lot of stories that overlap.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him last year, especially in the offseason, spending time with him, and he’s got an incredible family as well. I expect a steady hand and great leadership from him — he’s a former player who knows what it’s like to be in the locker room — and I think he’s gonna do a great job.”
"Coach Ulbrich is gonna add his own style and I really enjoyed getting to know him last year..
I expect great leadership from him and I think he's gonna do a great job" ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive https://t.co/NBkopOPtoW pic.twitter.com/CuDFVkPznu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024
Later in the interview, Rodgers said he’s “on board with whatever he decides” because he wants “to do what’s best for the team.”
Rodgers also acknowledged that he’s very disappointed with his play so far this season and stressed that the offense needs to be much more consistent going forward.
Through five games, Rodgers has thrown for 1,093 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions with a 61% completion percentage.
New York’s defense has been doing its job, having allowed a league-low 4.3 yards per play this season (after leading the NFL in this stat last year, too, at 4.6 yards per play).
All eyes will be on Ulbrich and the Jets this week, as they’ll play the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6.