In 2024, the New York Jets made two big midseason firings. The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh following a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. New York fired general manager Joe Douglas on November 19 following a 3-8 start to the season. Some thought that Aaron Rodgers worked behind the scenes to have Saleh fired. The veteran quarterback denies calling for Saleh’s resignation.
“I resent any of those accusations because they’re patently false,” Rodgers stated on The Pat McAfee Show in October. “It’s remarkable how much authority I think I have yet don’t. But I love Robert.” Rodgers accepted responsibility for playing a role in Douglas’ firing, but not because the four-time MVP wanted him gone. After trading for Rodgers in the 2023 offseason, the 40-year-old quarterback accepted responsibility for the type of disastrous season that results in the firing of a coach and general manager.
“I love Joe,” Rodgers told McAfee on Tuesday. “I spent quite a bit of time with Joe. A lot of conversations. He’s a (expletive) fantastic man and a (expletive) effective general manager. And I thoroughly appreciated our discussions. I am disappointed since I had a hand in it. I had the chance to play better and keep him here.” Rodgers stated he was not surprised Douglas was fired. He saw the change coming when owner Woody Johnson landed in a helicopter at practice.