Aaron Rodgers is under scrutiny after the New York Jets announced their decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, with some speculating that the star quarterback played a role in the move.
One former NFL quarterback even labeled Rodgers a “coach killer” following the announcement.
Jets owner Woody Johnson made the decision to fire Saleh following the teamās disappointing 2-3 start to the season.
The timing of Salehās dismissal caught some off-guard, especially after Saleh had expressed confidence in the team just a day earlier. āIām not panicking,ā Saleh told reporters on Monday, suggesting he still had control of the team.
Salehās abrupt firing fueled speculation about Rodgersā possible involvement in the decision.
Fair or not, the speculation comes with the territory. After all, you can make the strong argument that no singular player in NFL history has had as much power in an organization than Rodgers has with the Jets.
In other words, you can’t blame people for assuming that Johnson at least checked-in with Rodgers before making the decision to kick the 20-36 Saleh to the curb.
“Iām guessing, though, that Johnson ā who during his 25-year ownership reign had never fired a coach during the season until now ā doesn’t make the move if Rodgers isnāt on board with the dramatic change,” USA Today’s Jarrett Bell wrote. “After all, the Jets have been operating under some serious A-Rod Rules for a while now.”
Unsurprisingly, Rodgers denied having any involvement in the decision during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show today…
Former NFL quarterback and current FS1 analyst Chase Daniel took the criticism further, referencing Rodgersā past involvement in similar situations.
Daniel pointed out that the Green Bay Packers fired head coach Mike McCarthy midseason in 2018, during Rodgers’ tenure with the team – and that the future Hall of Famer might have had something to do with it.
“I would almost call Aaron Rodgers a coach killer,” Daniel said. “Mike McCarthy got fired mid-season in 2018 in December. Rodgers started all 16 games. They brought in Matt LaFleur. They changed the entire offense for Aaron Rodgers and they were not good the last two years he was there.
“What was that offense like last year without Aaron Rodgers because Matt LaFleur was able to cook and do what he wanted? It was excellent – they made it to the Divisional Round. Then, you get Robert Saleh for six games and you get him fired … He’s a coach killer, let’s just call it like it is.”
Daniel went on to criticize Gang Green’s offense as a whole and said Rodgers’ reluctance to use motion has hurt the unit.
“He’s got to play better, but I don’t know if any quarterback can play in that system right now,” Daniel said. “That offense hasn’t taken the next step. It looks like I’m watching a 2012 offense. They’re not using shifts, they’re not using motion, they’re not using bunches.”
For what it’s worth, Saleh released a heartfelt statement following his firing. He may not be a great head coach, but Saleh has always been a classy individual.
āTo the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. 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 everyday 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 āall inā 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!!!ā
We’ll see if new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich can turn things around. However, one thing is for sure, nothing is getting turned around in New York unless Rodgers starts playing better.
What are your thoughts on the firing of Saleh? … Do you think Rodgers had anything to do with it?
Is Aaron indeed a coach killer???