Aaron Rodgers makes a shocking confession about Robert Saleh being fired by the New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers believes Robert Saleh would still have a job if he had started the season in better shape for the New York Jets.

Saleh was abruptly fired as Jets head coach on Tuesday after a 2-3 start to the season after his team fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in London. Rodgers was 29 of 54 for 244 yards, two touchdown passes and three interceptions.

Rodgers, 40, spoke out strongly on Pat McAfee's show on Wednesday about calling for Saleh to be fired.

A day later, the Jets' quarterback admitted that Saleh would still be the team's coach if he had started the season in better shape.

“If I play better, that won’t happen,” Rodgers said. “When you make a change on offense, it's a mirror that's held up to all of us who played.” “When something like that happens, it's a fresh start for everyone.”

Aaron Rodgers has admitted his poor form may have cost Robert Saleh his job

Saleh was fired as head coach of the New York Jets on Tuesday after a 2-3 start to the season

“We all feel terrible about the opportunity we had, which we missed, which led to Robert being fired and Jeff (Ulbrich) being promoted.”

“If I play better, that won’t happen.” If we play better on offense, that won’t happen. It puts us in the spotlight and now it's up to us to do it.

“We have to be accountable to each other. “We have to improve our playing level to the standard we set in training camp.”

Ulbrich, Saleh's interim successor and New York's defensive coordinator, has relieved Nathaniel Hackett of his playing duties, he announced Thursday.

In Hackett's place, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Todd Downing will be given full leadership of the offense, starting Monday night with the Buffalo Bills.

Hackett and Rodgers previously worked together in Green Bay when the decorated quarterback won his third and fourth division MVP awards with the Packers.

But Rodgers has supported Downing in making a difference.

“I knew something would change after they let Robert go,” Rodgers said. “I had conversations with Brick (Ulbrich) and told him I would support him no matter what he decides.”

Hackett will continue to work with the Jets despite the move.

“It speaks volumes to the character that he has that he wants to stick around, be there for me and be there for Todd,” Rodgers said. “I love Nathaniel, he’s one of my dearest friends in the league.”

Rodgers joined the Jets last year but played just four snaps under Saleh before suffering his Achilles in his debut against Monday's opponent, the Bills.