The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on October 8 and general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday.
However, according to reports, team owner Woody Johnson pushed for another major change that did not happen: benching quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Johnson suggested a quarterback switch during a meeting on September 29.
After the Jets lost 10-9 at home to the Denver Broncos, dropping their record to 2-2, Johnson reportedly gathered a group of coaches and staff to discuss a potential change. During the meeting, he proposed replacing Rodgers with Tyrod Taylor, according to the report.
This suggestion reportedly shocked Douglas and the coaching staff, including Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and Jeff Ulbrich, who was the defensive coordinator at the time and is now the interim head coach. One person in the meeting even questioned if Johnson was serious. The idea was ultimately dismissed.
Rodgers, a 40-year-old veteran and four-time NFL MVP, has started every game for the 3-8 Jets this season. He has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Last season, Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon early in his first game with the Jets.
Throughout his career, mostly with the Green Bay Packers (2005-2022), Rodgers has a record of 151-83-1 as a starter, with 61,497 passing yards, 492 passing touchdowns, and 112 interceptions.
Taylor, 35, started five games for the Jets last year, with a 2-3 record. He has played for several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and New York Giants. He has a career record of 28-28-1 as a starter.
This season, Taylor has completed 6 of 8 passes for 36 yards and one touchdown, without any interceptions.
