It's been forever since Robert Saleh was part of the euphoric Jets trip that flew to Malibu to convince Aaron Rodgers that he should spend the twilight years of his career as a New York Jet. It seems so.
Rodgers spoke passionately about playing for “Rob.”
But then, due to his Achilles tendon, he won't be able to play more than four games as “Rob” in 2023.
Five games and four plays proved to be enough for him.
If Woody Johnson and GM Joe Douglas had come to Rodgers and told him they wanted to fire him, Rodgers might have been able to save him.
The Jets have touched heaven and earth for Rodgers, so much so that Rodgers has enjoyed the same fame that Tom Brady has for many years and Peyton Manning has for many years. Just like Broadway's Joe Namath was number 12 for many years.
Randall Cobb? Let's make him a jet. Allen Lazard? Let's make him a jet. Is Nathaniel Hackett the OC? How do you know I agree with it?
Aaron Rodgers didn't fire Robert Saleh.
But you're naive if you don't think his fingerprints are all over it.
Rodgers came here to build a lasting legacy in New York by winning his second Super Bowl and the Jets' first since January 12, 1969.
There's no doubt he's looked and felt like a battered 40-year-old quarterback for the past two weeks, putting the burden on him more than ever to come up with a big win in a 2-3 Win Now season. There is.
Johnson was overseas as the US ambassador to the UK when his brother Christopher hired Saleh to replace Adam Gase. But with three games remaining in the 2023 season, it was Woody who was given the mulligan by Saleh and GM Joe Douglas and announced he would return in 2024.
“My decision is to keep them,” Woody Johnson told The Post's Brian Costello. “I think we made some very positive moves. The team culture is much better. We're better on defense. We need some pieces on offense.”
I believe it was the right thing to do at the time. This was Aaron Rodgers from “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I believe in the leadership here.”
If Rodgers had said those words to Woody Johnson before Bloody Tuesday, “Rob” would still be the head coach of the 20-36 Jets.
However, DC Jeff Ulbrich, who can command a room and has head coaching talent, is currently the Jets' head coach.
In limited sessions with the media, Mr. Douglas has defended Mr. Saleh at every turn, defending the culture he has built and their simpatico working relationship.
After the Jets took a two-run lead against the Patriots, Saleh tried to hug Rodgers, but everyone saw Rodgers push Saleh away and fire.
Everyone heard Mr. Saleh describe Mr. Rogers' disregard for the mandatory mini-camp on the Egypt trip as an “excusable absence.”
Everyone heard Saleh and Rodgers sparring over how much of an asset the future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback's rhythm would be.
Last week, when I asked Saleh about his relationship with Rodgers, he said the only thing he could say publicly. i love him. “
Mr. Rogers of London said the only thing he could say publicly. we enjoy each other's company. We spend time almost every day and I talk about things in his office, the energy of the team, the focus of the team, what we have to do, how I can help him. I'm talking about can I do it and how can he help me. Outside.
“So we have a great relationship.”
Of course, just because you like someone a lot as a friend doesn't mean you'll like them a lot as a head coach.
Saleh is a good person and is liked by everyone. But he wasn't the CEO the Jets thought they would hire. It was funny to suddenly offer your expertise and oblige the owner in an aggressive meeting.
Saleh will be resuming his role as the passionate defensive coordinator he previously held with the 49ers. He and Ulbrich know defense. On defense, they never had a chance to use Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, as their quarterback. On the other hand, he was unable to develop himself. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was a temptation for Rodgers.
Woody Johnson's statement on 'Bloody Tuesday': 'We are not in a position to be expected'
What if they were 3-2?
The Jets are one game behind the Bills in the division. Josh Allen is scheduled to return to the scene of the Achilles incident Monday night. “Rob” doesn’t.
If Woody Johnson broke the news to Rodgers that he was considering firing “Rob,” here's the bottom line:
He could have told him to “relax.” And he didn't.
