Video: Jets' Aaron Rodgers refutes 'ridiculous' rumors he was involved in Saleh's firing | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers denied Tuesday that he had any role in the organization's decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh.

Coming out on Wednesday The Pat McAfee Show (h/t SNY's Connor Hughes), Rodgers called the idea that he played a role in Saleh's firing “ridiculous” and “patently false.”

According to Hughes, Rodgers called the NFL a “tough business” before saying he “loves” Saleh and has a “solid relationship” with him. Rodgers also said Saleh was one of the main reasons he wanted to join the Jets in the first place.

After a 2-1 start to the season, the Jets appeared unfocused offensively over the next two weeks, losing 10-9 to the Denver Broncos and then 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in London.

Rodgers threw three interceptions in the loss to the Vikings, and given the impact he may have as a future Hall of Famer, many immediately jumped to the conclusion that he fired Saleh after a frustrating game.

However, Jets owner Woody Johnson called it “my decision and mine alone,” according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Rodgers appeared to confirm Johnson's story on Wednesday, saying he spoke to Johnson on Monday night, but only about Sunday's game and his health, not Saleh.

According to Hughes, Rodgers said that “the team's performance has to change following Saleh's sacking”, and he indicated that he felt Saleh's departure was partly due to him not playing well enough.

Saleh was hired by the Jets in 2021, but success was elusive as they missed the playoffs in each of his first three seasons as coach, extending a playoff drought that began with the 2011 season.

There was hope for better results in 2024 as the Jets finally moved on from quarterback Zach Wilson and had a healthy Rodgers after he tore his Achilles tendon in the team's opening series of 2023.

However, the 40-year-old Rodgers had some uneven performances due to a serious injury, and Johnson ultimately decided to revitalize the team with a coaching change, sending Saleh home with a career record of 20-36 as head coach of the Jets.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named Saleh's replacement on an interim basis, and Rodgers already fully supports him, according to ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin, telling McAfee, “I'm okay with whatever (Ulbrich) decides I want.” do what's best for the team.

Johnson had never made a coaching change during the season, but this underlines the urgency of winning while Rodgers is still in the squad.

The Jets are all about winning now, and given Rodgers' age, they may not have many chances to make the playoffs in the near future.

Saleh's firing comes before a big home game Monday night against the Buffalo Bills. With the Jets at 2-3 and the Bills at 3-2, New York can move into the fight for first place in the AFC East with a win.