When word that the New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh this morning first broke, many were quick to blame Aaron Rodgers for approving - or maybe even outright requesting - that team owner Woody Johnson drop the ax.
It's not that hard of a connection to make. There have been rumbling for weeks that Saleh and Rodgers weren't getting along, ranging from odd interactions on the sidelines to issues with Rodgers' body language. Rodgers and Saleh publicly stated repeatedly that their relationship was fine, but nobody seemed inclined to believe them.
However, a new report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz strongly indicates that things were fine between them after all. Taking to X, Schultz said that the relationship was "not fractured" contrary to popular belief and speculation. Per the report, the decision was made at the sole discretion of Johnson.
"Robert Saleh's relationship with Aaron Rodgers was NOT fractured, despite speculation, according to multiple sources. The two were getting along. The firing of Robert Saleh was carried out solely by Woody Johnson this morning," Schultz wrote.
But fans don't seem to be fully buying into the report. Some believe that it might be Rodgers' own reps who are giving Schultz that info, while others pointed out that a decision that big couldn't possibly be made without Rodgers being informed in advance.
"Oh stop it. He doesn't get fired without Rodgers' ok," one user replied.
"Like Woody and Rodgers havent talked? Please," wrote another.
"Why would they have problems? Saleh handed Rodgers the offense. Hackett and the rest of the offensive staff need to go too," a third wrote.
Saleh went 20-36 in three-plus seasons with the Jets, but was never able to find much consistency on offense no matter which quarterbacks he brought into the fold.
He will probably land on his feet, but the rest of the Jets coaching staff and front office may not be so lucky by the end of the season.
Related: Aaron Rodgers Makes Decision On Pat McAfee Show Appearance After Robert Saleh's Firing