Aaron Rodgers insisted he had no role in the firing of Robert Saleh as coach of the New York Jets, calling such accusations “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 the coach’s fourth season.
Earlier this season, Rodgers had to deny that there was tension between himself and Saleh, and there was speculation that he may have had a hand in influencing Johnson, who said on Tuesday that the decision was “my decision and my decision alone.”
“As far as the ridiculous accusations go, I’m not going to spend more than one sentence on them,” Rodgers said. “And that means I resent all those accusations because they are patently false. And it’s interesting how much power people think I have, when I don’t.”
Rodgers confirmed he spoke with Johnson on a “nice phone call” Monday night, but said the owner simply asked him how he was feeling after spraining an ankle in the Jets’ loss to Minnesota in London on Sunday. Johnson and Rodgers said Saleh’s future was out of the question.
“Woody has no obligation to let me know what his plans are,” Rodgers said. “I just appreciated the call that he checked on me.”
Rodgers said the move to sack Saleh was a reminder of how football “is a difficult business” and that there is a human element to decisions like these. He mentioned Saleh’s family, including one of the coach’s seven children with whom he grew close during the team’s practices. Rodgers also reiterated that he and Saleh had no disagreements.
“I love coach Saleh,” Rodgers said. “We have a very solid relationship. … He was a big reason why I came to the Jets.
The four-time NFL MVP was acquired by New York from Green Bay in April 2023. With his arrival came Super Bowl expectations, but Rodgers tore his Achilles four times in his debut last season — and the Jets finished 7-10 without him.
New York entered this season with similar ambitions, but a two-game skid and inconsistent play from Rodgers and the offense left Johnson worried the team was headed in the wrong direction.
Rodgers often spoke about the players who took responsibility, including himself. “I have to play better, I will,” Rodgers insisted. “We have a lot to play for.”
The Jets 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 rest of the season. Rodgers said the team embraces Ulbrich and echoed some of the coach’s comments Tuesday that there needs to be some change with new leadership.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s status as the primary play-caller is uncertain. Hackett and Rodgers have had a strong relationship since their time together in Green Bay. But the quarterback said he is “on board” with whatever changes Ulbrich makes.