At least publicly, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had positive things to say about his former head coach.
On Tuesday, Saleh was fired by the Jets after a 2-3 start to the 2024 NFL season. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named New York’s interim head coach.
Rodgers spoke on his usual weekly spot on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday where he discussed the update for the first time.
“I love Coach Saleh,” Rodgers said. “We have a very solid relationship. We have since I met him in 2021,” Rodgers said. “He was a big reason why I came to the Jets. … It was just a reminder yesterday how tough the business is.”
Rodgers and Saleh had an interesting relationship this season.
Saleh, who was hired in 2021 and had a 20-36 overall record, had been let go amid apparent disagreements with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Following New York’s 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the former head coach suggested that Rodgers’ pre-snap cadence was a problem. In that defeat, the Jets’ offense took multiple false start penalties.
Rodgers, 40, went on to suggest his teammates need to be held accountable, adding that he has not previously had such an issue with his pre-snap cadence.
Both went on to say publicially that there was no issue between the two and Saleh backtracked his original statement.
Saleh, 45, also called Rodgers’ play inconsistent after the loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5.
Regardless of Rodgers’ positive comments, only few will ever know about their relationship behind closed doors.
In addition to tipping his cap to the former Jets coach, Rodgers went on to dismiss that he had any involvement in the decision to fire Saleh.
“I resent any of those accusations,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers’ full initial comments can be found in the clips below:
Yesterday was a reminder of how tough this business can be..
I love Coach Saleh and we have a very solid relationship..
We have since I met him in 2021 and he was a big reason why I came to the Jets” @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5f5bDTs5HP
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024
“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations that are out there..
I’m not gonna spend more than one sentence in response to it..
I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false” ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive https://t.co/jHz7zDLnto pic.twitter.com/wrRzN9Rnd1
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024
