Aaron Rodgers Makes His Opinion Of Robert Saleh Extremely Clear After Firing

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson insists that it was his call alone to dismiss head coach Robert Saleh.

The billionaire pharmaceutical heir even went out of his way on Tuesday to clarify that Aaron Rodgers had no input in his controversial decision. Still, speculation ran rampant regardless that ongoing friction between coach and quarterback was the real cause of Saleh's firing.

During his Wednesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers pushed back on the notion of tension between he and Saleh, maintaining he "loves" New York's former coach.

"I love Coach Saleh," Rodgers said. "We have a very solid relationship...He was a big reason why I came to the Jets."

Rodgers went on to express his gratitude for Saleh, also stressing the emotional toll that sudden personnel decisions take on the families of NFL coaches and players.

"I'm thankful for Robert," he said. "I'm thankful for his leadership for our team. I'm thankful for the conversations that we were able to have and him trusting me. The way he cared about his players. Big love out to his family."

New York parted ways with Saleh on Tuesday morning, less than 48 hours after the team's 20-17 loss to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in London. Hired in 2021, Saleh finishes his tenure with the Jets at 20-36, failing to make the playoffs across three full seasons.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been named the team's interim head coach.

New York, 2-3, hosts the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Monday in a primetime matchup that stands to have major postseason implications.

Related: Aaron Rodgers Reveals 3-Word Sideline Exchange With Robert Saleh