New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers swears he had nothing to do with the firing of coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday.
This is what he declared during his weekly participation in the “The Pat McAfee Show”. “As for the ridiculous allegations, I will only respond with one sentence,” explained the veteran athlete. I don’t like any of these accusations because they are blatantly false. It’s interesting how much power people think I have when I don’t. I love Robert. »
Saleh was fired after just five games in the regular season. Owner Woody Johnson said a few hours after yesterday’s announcement that the decision was his.
Rodgers said he would support interim coach Jeff Ulbrich and thus any changes he might make to the offensive personnel. Rodgers’ close friend Nathaniel Hackett could be affected. Whoever is the offensive coordinator and who calls the plays could be threatened. Ulbrich said Tuesday he was considering changes, but he did not provide details.
Before being fired, Saleh was preparing to demote Hackett, a source said — a move that could have angered Rodgers. He wasn’t asked about it Wednesday; Rodgers has given no indication of friction or disagreements in their relationship.
A day after Saleh’s dismissal, several players said they were stunned by the decision. When the news broke Tuesday morning, the Jets held a series of internal meetings to discuss the change. The overarching theme, according to the players, was the importance of accountability.
Rodgers spoke at the players-only meeting, emphasizing the same point, tight end Tyler Conklin said. The idea that Rodgers would fire Saleh was never discussed in the forum, according to Conklin. “I don’t think anyone inside that building, from a player perspective or anything, thought he had anything to do with it. Honestly, I really believe that. I mean, Aaron probably took it the hardest than almost anyone. »
On McAfee’s show, Rodgers expressed empathy for Saleh and his family, lamenting that the story might have been different if it had been approached better. He said he received a call from Johnson Monday evening, adding that Saleh’s future was not mentioned during the conversation. The call lasted five minutes. “We had a brief conversation. I appreciated the call. He just asked me how I was. Obviously I was knocked out in the game, my ankle is sore, so he was just calling me and asking how I was. »
“We talked about the game and how disappointed I was with my performance, that I was going to play better and that we were going to turn things around. And then we hung up. At that time, it was not Woody’s obligation to inform me of his plans. »
On Tuesday, Johnson said the decision to fire Saleh (20-36) was “my decision and mine alone.” He spoke about it only briefly with general manager Joe Douglas before firing Saleh, according to sources. Johnson said he did not solicit any input from Rodgers.
The Rodgers-Saleh relationship has been under scrutiny since June, when Saleh fined the four-time MVP for vacationing in Egypt instead of attending a mandatory minicamp. Speculation has increased in recent weeks, but both men have insisted their relationship is going well. Rodgers called it “a very strong relationship.”
On Wednesday, Saleh released a 181-word statement thanking the organization, his team, players and fans. He made no mention of any individual.
“He’s one of the main reasons I came to the Jets,” Rodgers said of Saleh.
Despite a two-game losing streak, the Jets (2-3) will play for first place in the American East when they face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) next Monday at MetLife Stadium.
