The New York Jets were supposed to be one of the Super Bowl contenders in the 2023 NFL, but they have now been eliminated way before the playoff run. When Aaron Rodgers’ deal was finalized, the team’s fans kept their fingers crossed to see the end of their prolonged playoff drought, albeit misfortune was in store for them.
Now, as the Jets will be closing their current season with a disappointing end, many sports enthusiasts and analysts wondered if the Jets would showcase their commitment to their head coach Robert Saleh, especially in a season marked by the firings of HCs. Seemingly, the team has a resolute solution for the discussion.
Saleh set to return as head coach for 2024 season
The Jets seem poised to maintain stability within their coaching and management ranks for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Recent reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicate that head coach Robert Saleh, along with general manager Joe Douglas, are set to retain their positions. Unlike the New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who sounded less optimistic regarding keeping his head coach Bill Belichick, the Jets owner Woody Johnson showcased no inclination toward making any changes in leadership heading into the 2024 campaign.
Saleh, currently in his third season as the team’s coach, has been a steady hand guiding the franchise, while Douglas has held the reins as the team’s GM since 2019. Rapoport’s report also shed light on the anticipated return of offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett for the upcoming season.
The New York Jets will not make a change and will run it back with HC Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas in 2024, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/Gc8q3Sbmxe
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 23, 2023
Adding weight to Saleh’s potential retention, Dianna Russini of The Athletic highlighted Aaron Rodgers’ public endorsement for the coach. Russini questioned whether the team’s ownership would overlook the signal-caller’s endorsement and opt to part ways with Saleh. However, it appears that both Saleh and his team maintain confidence in their return to form for the 2024 season, as expressed by Russini.
Despite the ongoing games against the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots, discussions have shifted toward the future, especially the anticipation of A-Rod’s return and his anticipated impact on the team’s performance. The upcoming 2024 season will definitely serve as a juncture for the Jets to constitute a make-or-break moment for Saleh and his coaching staff.
Robert Saleh announces Aaron Rodgers to practice as part of rehab process
Aaron Rodgers has successfully managed to make himself a crucial figure for the Jets, despite being sidelined due to injury. Head coach Robert Saleh has recently unveiled the team’s strategy during a press conference of activating the QB and keeping his pivotal role in the team’s future.
While Saleh clarified A-Rod won’t hit the playing field immediately, he will continue to practice with the team as part of his rehabilitation process. This move will allow the four-time MVP to practice alongside his teammates in the concluding stages of the season.
“We’ve got the roster flexibility with all the different things that have happened over the course of the last couple of weeks..It’s all part of his rehab and just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody. It’s a plus for him, it’s a plus for his teammates, so we’re going to keep him on the 53″, he said per Bleacher Report.
Coach Saleh says that QB Aaron Rodgers will be added to the active roster to keep practicing as part of his rehab process. pic.twitter.com/grGFGnf55F
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 20, 2023
After undergoing a surgery to repair his torn Achilles, A-Rod also underwent a “speed bridge” to aid in accelerating the healing process. While initial projections hinted at a potential return against the Washington Commanders, the 10-time Pro Bowler, in a recent interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said that he remains short of absolute fitness and anticipates a few more weeks before full recovery.
Saleh has nothing but praise for the 40-year-old star due to his relentless efforts to expedite his comeback. He mused on the hypothetical scenario where circumstances differed to hint at a probable return to action if the Jets performance had been more favorable.
“He tried everything he could to get back. And, you know, who knows if the circumstances were different? Get a couple of these wins, maybe we’re having a different conversation. But I know he gave everything he could.”
Despite uncertainties surrounding the QB’s timeline for a return to play, Saleh remains resolute in his belief saying,“I think he’s going to play until his wheels fall off. I don’t think it’s one, two. I think he’ll go three, four, five, if he can. That’s just my opinion.”
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers’ inclusion to the active squad became costly for others. At first, Gang Green waived their fullback Nick Bawden to accommodate the signal-caller on the 53-man roster. Upon heavy bash from the NFL community, the team later signed Bawden to the practice squad and then released cornerback Kalon Barnes.
