Rodgers and Hackett’s relationship was reportedly the catalyst for Robert Saleh’s firing

The team owner’s statement suggests that the New York Jets’ decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh came directly from the top.

Nearly everyone in the building was reportedly surprised by Saleh’s abrupt firing Tuesday morning, and chairman Woody Johnson released a two-paragraph statement for the head coach transition. The focus was on the fact that the team had so far failed to live up to expectations and suggested that Saleh had lost the respect of his players.

Is quarterback Aaron Rodgers one of the players Johnson saw as unresponsive to Saleh? Did Rodgers make a personal request to the owner to make the head coach change?

Given the heavy investment the Jets have made in Rodgers and his expected success, it’s not unreasonable to question whether the four-time NFL MVP had a say in Saleh’s firing. It’s also possible that Johnson, and only Johnson, decided it was time to move on from the fourth-year head coach, who was coming off back-to-back disappointing losses, but the odd timing suggests there were other factors as well gave.

First, Rodgers and Saleh’s relationship had recently come into question following an awkward hug/shuffle on Thursday Night Football, followed by the hard-counting controversy. If the situation between the head coach and his star quarterback were truly tense, more issues could become a tipping point.

Amid the media storm sparked by Tuesday’s firing, multiple reports emerged that Saleh wanted to fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before his firing, or at least reduce his role by stripping away his game-calling duties.

Anything aimed at reducing Hackett’s role was likely frowned upon by Rodgers, who had previously referred to the offensive coordinator as “brother.” In three seasons working with Hackett with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was named NFL MVP twice.

Did Rodgers object to Saleh’s decision and quickly express his concerns? In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Johnson admitted that he had been in contact with Rodgers on Monday evening.

“Well, I spoke to him the night before, but we didn’t discuss it specifically at all. I mean, we basically talked about the previous game and how he broke the 60,000 yard record and did that, and I’m sorry. “He got hit so many times and how he felt, so no whether Whether I would do it or not, we didn’t talk about that,” Johnson said.

It is unknown if this was actually the case, but if Rodgers is forced to choose between Hackett and Saleh, ten times out of ten he will side with his close friend. If Rodgers knew of Saleh’s intent, there’s a good chance he discussed the topic during his conversation with the owner.

“Ultimately it was my decision and my decision alone. I have enough experience with these things, it’s the first time I’ve done it so early, but I thought and think again that this will help the team,” Johnson said.

Firing Saleh may have been the owner’s decision, but you’re not crazy to think he was influenced by his future Hall of Fame quarterback.

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