Former NFL QB Calls Aaron Rodgers a ‘Coach Killer’ After Robert Saleh Firing

The New York Jets sacked Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start, with speculation about the role Aaron Rodgers may have played.

Aaron Rodgers is taking some heat after the New York Jets announced their decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, with one former NFL quarterback dubbing Rodgers a “coach killer.”

Jets owner Woody Johnson announced on October 8 that Saleh had been fired after the team’s 2-3 start, a move that came as a surprise just one day after Saleh told reporters he was “not panicking” about the season just yet.

The sudden firing led to speculation about what role Rodgers may have played. USA Today reporter Jarrett Bell speculated that Rodgers had his fingerprints on the move, even if he didn’t directly advocate for it.

“I’m guessing, though, that Johnson – who during his 25-year ownership reign had never fired a coach during the season until now – doesn’t make the move if Rodgers isn’t on board with the dramatic change,” Bell wrote. “After all, the Jets have been operating under some serious A-Rod Rules for a while now.”

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh.

© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former NFL quarterback turned analyst Chase Daniel also called out Rodgers’ history, noting that this is not the first time he’s played a role in a coach being fired mid-season.

“I would almost call Aaron Rodgers a coach killer,” Daniel said, noting that the Green Bay Packers fired Mike McCarthy midseason in 2018. Daniel added that Rodgers “has an ego” that he believes creates conflict within organizations.