Aaron Rodgers is taking responsibility for the firing of New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, admitting that if he had performed better to start the season, Saleh might still be in charge. Saleh’s abrupt dismissal followed a 2-3 start to the season, capped by a 31-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Despite being a seasoned quarterback, Rodgers struggled in the early games, completing 29 of 54 passes for 244 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also giving away three costly interceptions.
Rodgers, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, vehemently denied any involvement in the decision to fire Saleh. However, just a day later, the Jets quarterback openly admitted that his own performance was a key factor in the team’s struggles, and by extension, Saleh’s dismissal.
“If I play better, this doesn’t happen,” Rodgers confessed, acknowledging that the offensive shortcomings were the tipping point for the coaching change. “It is a mirror held up for all of us that played.”
Rodgers expressed deep regret for the missed opportunity that ultimately led to Saleh’s ousting, saying, “We all feel terrible about the opportunity that we had, that we squandered, that led to Robert getting fired and Jeff [Ulbrich] getting promoted.”
Ulbrich, previously the defensive coordinator, was named the Jets’ interim head coach, and immediately set changes in motion by stripping Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties. In Hackett’s place, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Todd Downing will now take control of the offense, starting with the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers, who previously thrived under Hackett during his time with the Green Bay Packers—winning back-to-back MVPs—has voiced support for the transition. Despite Hackett’s demotion, Rodgers praised his commitment to the team. “It speaks volumes to the character that he has that he wants to stick around, be here for me, be here for Todd,” Rodgers said, underscoring his deep bond with Hackett.
Rodgers also revealed that he spoke with Ulbrich following Saleh’s dismissal and assured him of his support. “I told him I’d back him up, whatever he decided,” Rodgers shared, showing confidence in the interim coach’s ability to lead the team forward. Meanwhile, Hackett, despite the shakeup, will remain with the Jets in a supportive role, continuing to work closely with Rodgers and Downing.
The abrupt coaching change comes at a pivotal moment for the Jets, who now face the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, a rematch of the game where Rodgers famously tore his Achilles on his Jets debut. Although Rodgers has been sidelined due to that injury, his influence on the team remains strong, and he continues to be a vocal leader both on and off the field.
