The Aaron Rodgers era is over in New York, as the Jets have reportedly informed the future Hall of Fame quarterback that they will be moving on without him under their new regime.
Sal Licata had maintained his belief that sticking with Rodgers was the best option for the Jets, but now that a rookie head coach and GM are in the fold, he believes it’s for the best that Rodgers isn’t back next season.
Why? Because now, unlike the past two seasons, there should be no doubt who is in charge at Florham Park.
“If I asked you a year ago who was running the show for the Jets, you either couldn’t answer it, or it was Rodgers,” Sal said. “Now if I ask you, it’s Aaron Glenn.
“We’ll find out if that’s gonna be the right result. It’s not what I would have done, but in accordance with the other moves that have been made…I wouldn’t want [Rodgers] in this spot where he’s controlling anything this organization is going to try to do.”
Sal’s first choice would have been to bring in a proven, experienced head coach like a Pete Carroll or Jon Gruden, but once the decision was made to bring in a first-year head coach in Glenn, it became clear to Sal that the circumstances had changed, and therefore his opinion changed on whether Rodgers should be back in 2025.
“I don’t think he would do it in a bad way, but when you have someone who has had that much success…his presence alone, it could potentially damage a young, up-and-coming head coach/GM combination,” Sal said.
“I understand it. It’s not what I would have done first, but under these circumstances, I actually think it’s the right decision.”