New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday that he had no involvement in the team’s firing of head coach Robert Saleh.
Shortly after the news broke on Tuesday morning, speculation ran rampant on social media that Rodgers played some role in the Jets’ decision to move on from Saleh after the team’s 2-3 start to the season.
Rodgers, however, denied any advance knowledge or influence in the matter while making his weekly appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it, and that is I resent any of those accusations because they’re patently false,” Rodgers said.
“It’s interesting the amount of power people think I have, which I don’t. But I love Robert.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson said Tuesday that Rodgers had no input on the team’s decision to part ways with Saleh. Johnson admitted that he spoke with general manager Joe Douglas before saying, “this was my decision, and my decision alone.”
Rodgers confirmed that Johnson reached out to him on Tuesday to check on his health. The four-time NFL MVP sustained an ankle sprain during New York’s 23-17 setback to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in London.
“Woody has no obligation to let me know what his plans are,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “I just appreciate the call that he was checking on me. It was like a friend call.”
Rodgers said he primarily was thinking about Saleh the family man, more so than Saleh the coach.
“He’s got seven kids, he’s got an incredible wife, and the business of football can be hard,” Rodgers said. “It’s tough on the families, and I’ve gotten to know Robert’s family.”
Speaking of Saleh, he released a statement on Wednesday morning thanking the Jets for his three-plus years as the head coach.
“To the Jets organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people,” Saleh said in a statement obtained by the NFL Network. “I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
“To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you were ‘all in’ and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
“To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here.
“With Love and Regard,
“All Gas No Brake!!!”
Saleh, 45, compiled a 20-36 record with no playoff appearances in 56 games since taking over the Jets in 2021. New York last made the playoffs in the 2010 season, losing in the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Ulbrich, 47, was hired by Saleh as the Jets’ defensive coordinator in January 2021. He was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 after coaching their linebackers from 2015-19. He played linebacker for the 49ers from 2000-09.
The Jets return to action on Monday against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills (3-2) in East Rutherford, N.J.
–Field Level Media