New York Jets fired its head coach, Robert Saleh, just two games into the season. His 2-3 start marked a very disappointing expectation from the fans and the organization.

Speculation emerged suggesting that his termination was related to the patch that Saleh wore on his jersey, a Lebanese flag, but those claims have been put to rest. Another report claims that Aaron Rodgers took part in kicking their head coach from the organization.

Underperformance On Field Caused Saleh's Sacking

Robert Saleh Fired Over Lebanese Flag Patch? Jets Insiders Say It's All About Losing
The New York Jets fired Robert Saleh recently. Rumors said that it was because of his Lebanese flag patch. However, the organization clarified it's Woody's decision alone. Justin Ford/Getty Images

To some, Saleh was simply there because the team wasn't getting the job done on the field. As the hype of his hiring at the beginning of the season subsided, the Jets began plummeting into the sub-.500 record, TMZ reports.

Their front office then decided this was the appropriate time to introduce someone else, and with such little time left in the season, it was pretty clear that a change of leadership needed to be made if they were going to try and salvage what was left of this 2024-25 season.

Lebanese Flag Patch Not What Led to Saleh's Firing

Days after the Jets lost to the Minnesota Vikings, Saleh was spotted sporting the game wearing a patch of the Lebanese flag on his arm. Numerous critics took to social media saying that this was a political statement owing to all the riots happening in the Middle East.

Because of this, Jets' owner Woody Johnson took it as an offense from this cause, and that is what led him to sack Saleh. All these are just mere murmurs. Saleh has been an NFL Heritage Program participant, which encourages both players and coaches to display their family's cultural history.

Saleh's parents are all from Lebanon, and the young man spent years wearing the Lebanese flag patch proudly in games. The NFL Heritage Program aims for a melting pot of cultures: Saleh participated in honor of his family's heritage. People close to the Jets have emphasized that his wearing of the patch did not factor into his firing, which was strictly on-field.

Is Aaron Rodgers One of the Reasons Why Saleh Was Fired?

The New York Post reports that some reports are accusing Aaron Rodgers for taking part in Saleh's latest dismissal as Jets' coach. However, the quarterback denied his involvement.

The 40-year-old NFL star admitted he had a short talk with Woody, but it was just a genuine call about his performance last game.

"I love coach Saleh. We have a very solid relationship. We have since I met him in 2021, had a nice conversation when they came and visited [The Packers] for joint practices. He was a big reason why I came to the Jets. ... It was just a reminder yesterday how tough the business is," Rodgers said.