All is well that ends well. But something brewing might not be as good as the morning deli coffee for the Gang Green. Since Aaron Rodgers’ Egypt tour during the mandatory minicamp in June, things have not been the same for the Jets. Earlier, criticism was aimed at the veteran QB for such rookie behavior, and now it’s a question about Robert Saleh’s handling of the whole situation. Why? You may ask. Well, it began when The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Rodgers’ frustration over the HC’s comments in front of the press calling the QB’s absence “unexcused”. Now, it seems, Saleh has problems beyond X’s and O’s. But despite all the drama, it seems he has an idolater.

Joining Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco on the stage of Nightcap’s Summer Sessions from Houston, on August 27th, Houston Texans’ HC DeMeco Ryans shed light on his coaching style. Key point: he’s made it The “DeMeco” style only after picking a lot from different coaches. But the start? He said, “It all started from: I spent a lot of time with Robert Saleh. In that coaching profession, I just learned from him.” Ryans also noted that since it was his first experience under the tutelage of such a coach, that’s when he learned that “you’ve got to bring great energy every day, and you’ve got to be able to relate to all these guys in the same room.” But how can one relate to the players? The 40-year-old said, “Storytelling, keeping it light with jokes. It’s a fine line, just coaching all.”

This might ease the pressure off of Saleh, for whom it has been one rough cloud after another. But there’s something about how much Ryans values him that makes you wonder. Just how far back does this bond go? Turns out, even before Ryans donned the coaching hat, he was already under Saleh’s watchful eye.

Back in 2006, DeMeco Ryans, a fresh-faced draft pick for the Texans, first caught Robert Saleh’s attention. Originally a weakside linebacker, Ryans was thrusted into the middle linebacker role by then-assistant LB coach Saleh. “The communication went from six to 12, just off the charts,” Saleh recalled during a 2023 Jets practice ahead of their game against DeMeco’s Texans. Wow, from a Defensive Rookie of the Year under Saleh to facing him, they have come far.

Where Does New York Jets Roster Still Lack Elite Talent?

Let Tony do the scouting, you just make the pick.

Pick your positions. Get Tony’s top 5:

C

CB

DE

DT

FB

G

ILB

OLB

P

PK

QB

RB

S

T

TE

WR

View Tony’s Picks

Ryans later joined Saleh’s coaching staff with the 49ers, where he honed his craft under his mentor’s wing. “I learned how to coach from being under Saleh,” Ryans admitted, reflecting on their shared journey. Saleh moved on to lead the Jets while Ryans took charge of the 49ers’ defense, eventually landing the Texans’ head coaching job.

Now, Ryans is making waves, leading the Texans to a playoff berth in 2023. Meanwhile, Saleh is fighting off the critics, particularly those questioning his relationship with Aaron Rodgers, and it’s not looking too good.

Is Aaron Rodgers Robert Saleh’s pass to remain HC of the Jets?

The Gang Green ended their preseason with a clash against the Giants, but guess who didn’t lace up? Yep, Aaron Rodgers. After that Achilles injury last year, his first taste of real action will be against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Bold move, isn’t it? But the former Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson believes it’s all calm. However, what isn’t calm is the relationship between the HC and the QB. And it needs sorting out ASAP.

Speaking on The Herd, on August 23rd, DeSean Jackson called Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh’s relationship ‘shaky.’ Jackson’s comments stemmed from all that took place since the offseason. But especially Saleh’s public comments on Rodgers’ absence from the mandatory minicamp. According to Jackson, Saleh should’ve had his QB’s back. He did not mince his words when he said, “That relationship is a little shaky… Honestly, I just don’t really see them merging together. I know Saleh has a lot of pressure from the owners and the general managers to get their starting quarterback out there playing, but at the end of the day, this is Aaron Rodgers we’re talking about here.” So, what’s the real play here? Should Saleh just let Rodgers cook with Hackett on offense while he locks in on defense?

Rodgers might be the key to Saleh keeping his gig, especially if the Jets fall short in the 2024 season. And when the job’s on the line, the head coach can’t afford to throw Rodgers under the bus again, as he did in June. The stakes are high, and one wrong move could send Saleh packing. So, can this duo smooth things out before kickoff? The clock is ticking, and the Jets’ season might just hinge on the chemistry between coach and quarterback.