Does the relationship between owners and coaches affect on-field success?
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to think so, according to comments he made recently on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
The Jets, 3-9, have undergone significant changes this season led by owner Woody Johnson, who dismissed head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 and general manager Joe Douglas Nov. 19.
On Tuesday, Rodgers shared his thoughts on the connection between ownership practices and on-the-field success. He used the Detroit Lions’ support of coach Dan Campbell in 2022 as an example.
“They need the backing of the ownership, because when that backing is out there — and I’m not talking about privately, I’m talking about privately and publicly — it changes the energy of the entire team,” Rodgers said.
Wednesday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini asked Rodgers if Jets ownership has publicly supported coaches and the front office.
“Is that a rhetorical question?” Rodgers replied. “I cited an example I’ve seen. There were other examples in Green Bay, both for and maybe not as for whoever was in charge. But I think it’s an important part of ownership to hire the right guys, set the vision and support them when the outside world is trying to tear them down.”‘
Rodgers was asked whether he believes that’s being done now in New York.
“I’d have to look. I’ll ask you guys, has there been a lot of public comments? Supportive comments?”
The response by the reporters — not really, there’s been firings.
“Yeah, there’s your answer,” Rodgers replied.
On last week’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers was asked about his relationship with Jets owner Woody Johnson and said that he had more of a relationship with his brother, Jets vice chairman Christopher Johnson. Rodgers’ comments on Wednesday don’t paint the complete picture though — late last season, Johnson announced that Saleh and Douglas would be returning in 2024 as rumors swirled about their future. Saleh was fired after a Week 5 loss to the Vikings and Douglas was fired during the Jets bye week.
Under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, the Jets are 1-6 but have a favorable schedule to end the season. According to The Athletic’s Playoff Prediction Model, only one (the Buffalo Bills) of their five remaining games is projected to make the playoffs.
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(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
