Aaron Rodgersone of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history, he had a 20-year career filled with numerous successes and important relationships with his coaches. Known for his incredible arm talent, football IQ and occasional drama, Rodgers’ journey has spanned multiple teams and coaches, with varying degrees of success and chemistry along the way.
Rodgers has had an intriguing and, at times, complex relationship with his NFL coaches throughout his 20-year career. Known for his strong personality and high expectations, his interactions with coaches have varied widelyreflecting the challenges and rewards of working with a star quarterback of his caliber.
Aaron Rodgers seems annoyed by coach Saleh’s comments
The short was Mike Sherman
Starting from Green Bay Packers in 2005, Rodgers was first manager Mike Shermann. Sherman, a veteran coach with six seasons under his belt, he led a young Rodgers during his rookie year. Rodgers played sparingly in 2005, sitting back Brett Favreand when the team finished with a disappointing 4-12 record, Sherman was let go.
Rodgers saw only limited action that season, completing 9 of 16 passes for 65 yards and an interception. Rodgers’ relationship with Sherman was relatively neutral. Since Rodgers was still a developing player, their relationship was not deeply explored.
Mike McCarthy, the Super Bowl era
Mike McCarthythe current Cowboys in Dallas head coach, was Rodgers’ longest-serving coach, leading the Packers from 2006 to 2018. Their relationship was initially strong, especially when Rodgers became one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Under McCarthy, Rodgers won two MVP awards and secured a Super Bowl title in 2010. Despite their success, tensions arose in the following years. Rodgers is known for his independent thinking and desire for control over offensive decisions, which reportedly clashed with McCarthy’s more conservative approach.
By 2018, after a series of disappointing seasons, their relationship had significantly soured, culminating in McCarthy’s firing. Rodgers reflected on their time together acknowledging both the positive and challenging aspects: “I love Mike. We have spent many wonderful years together,” but it was clear that their collaboration had run its course.
Joe Philbin, the interim
After McCarthy’s departure, Joe Philbin he stepped in as interim coach for the final games of 2018. Since it was a short stint and the Packers were out of the playoffs, there wasn’t much time for the two to develop a meaningful relationship.
Matt Lafleur: Great stats, no Playoff success
Matt LaFleurtaking over in 2019, he brought a new approach to Green Bay’s offense and initially there was some uncertainty about how Rodgers would adapt. However, the couple found notable success in the regular seasonS. Rodgers won Back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021 under LaFleurand their statistical results were impressive. Despite that, playoff success was elusivewhich added some tension to their otherwise positive relationship. However, Rodgers respected LaFleur’s leadership and their time together was widely considered a success.
Robert Saleh, the scapegoat
Rodgers’ move to Jet in New York in 2023 saw him working underneath Roberto Salehalthough an Achilles injury sidelined him almost immediately. Saleh’s tenure with Rodgers was short-lived he was fired in early 2024replaced by interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, marking yet another chapter in Rodgers’ long career with coaches.
While both Saleh and Rodgers have publicly stated that they get along well and have great respect for each other, the reality is that internally it was a different story. This was clear in one of the first games this season, when Saleh tried to hug him after a touchdown Rodgers waved him away with a grim gesture. It’s even said in NFL inner circles that he was Rodgers who had the greatest influence on Saleh’s dismissaleven though the official story is that it was Jets owner Woody Johnson made the decision.
