The New York Jets have reportedly made a decision on the futures of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, opting to retain both for the 2024 season despite a very challenging year marred by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ early-season injury.
Entering the season with Super Bowl expectations following the acquisition of the four-time MVP, the Jets faced adversity when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in his debut with the team in Week 1.
According to Zack Blatt of The Athletic, internal discussions within the Jets organization suggest that Saleh, Douglas, and even offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will be back for the 2024 season.
“Internally, the Jets are operating as if the whole regime – Saleh, Douglas, and even offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett – will be back in 2024 … That’s because Aaron Rodgers is their lifeline,” Blatt reported.
Robert Saleh, Joe Douglas and Nathaniel Hackett are likely all safe for 2024 — even as the #Jets seem to be getting worse.
Aaron Rodgers is their lifeline.
On the Rodgers of it all — and the risks of his potential return this season: https://t.co/3vBshaEO5Z
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 28, 2023
Blatt underscores the significant influence Rodgers holds.
“Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, might wield more power than any other player in the NFL … Rodgers has the power to ensure their job security: If he says that he’ll return only if this coaching staff remains intact, then it will be locked in and safe … Johnson values Rodgers’ opinion, and it would be surprising if he didn’t seek it out,” Blatt said.
Saleh, in his third season with the Jets, and Douglas, in his fifth season, took charge during the early stages of a substantial rebuild … They had hoped – and are still hoping – that a healthy Rodgers can lead them to the Super Bowl.
While the coaching staff cannot be held responsible for Rodgers’ injury, criticism arises for not having a more robust backup quarterback plan.
The recently-benched Zach Wilson has all but sabotaged the Jets chances at making the playoffs … Had they had a more capable backup to take over for Rodgers, they could very well still be in the postseason hunt.
The New York Jets season in a nutshell just happened pic.twitter.com/M2tIra2UtJ
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 24, 2023
Despite the Wilson disaster, the general feeling among Jets fans is that Douglas has done a good job of building the roster and certainly deserves to stay with the organization.
However, many feel that Saleh is not head coach material … Great defensive coordinator, sure – But he has shown zero ability to be a legitimate NFL head coach. He speaks less into his headset than Ron Rivera does – and that’s really saying something.
But as Blatt pointed out, if Rodgers wants Saleh to stay, he will…
What are your thoughts on the Jets/Rodgers situation?
Do Douglas and Saleh deserve to keep their jobs?
If they run it back next season, will you view the Jets as legit Super Bowl contenders???