Contrary to popular belief, the New York Jets did not fire head coach Robert Saleh to protect offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a close friend of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Instead, a significant coaching shake-up occurred when the Jets announced that Hackett had been stripped of his playcalling duties ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
On Thursday, Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich informed reporters of the decision, explaining that after evaluating the team’s performance, he felt it was time for a change. Ulbrich said quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Todd Downing would take over playcalling responsibilities for the upcoming game.
The Jets’ offense has struggled mightily through the first five games of the season, ranking 25th in points scored and 27th in total yards. With those numbers in mind, Ulbrich emphasized the need for a different approach. “We needed to evaluate everything, and I felt Todd would bring a fresh perspective,” Ulbrich stated, hoping the change could spark a turnaround for the underperforming unit.
One of the immediate questions surrounding the decision was how Rodgers would react. Hackett and Rodgers share a close personal and professional bond, dating back to their successful stint together with the Green Bay Packers, where Hackett served as Rodgers’ offensive coordinator.
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Their relationship was a significant factor in Hackett’s hiring by the Jets and was seen as a draw for Rodgers to join New York. Many speculated that Rodgers might push to protect his friend, perhaps even requesting that team owner Woody Johnson fire Saleh instead of demoting Hackett.
However, Ulbrich addressed these rumors directly, revealing that Rodgers was fully supportive of the move. “It was obviously — not necessarily shocked, but we all are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel. And they’re very, very good friends that go back a long way,” Ulbrich said. “He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision. And I’m fortunate for that. So, I talked to him, I talked to a lot of offensive players — and defensive players for that matter — before making this decision.”
Rodgers, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury but remains closely involved with the team, did not object to the demotion. Instead, he appeared to understand the urgency behind the change.
The offense’s struggles have put additional pressure on a Jets team that had high hopes for the season, especially after acquiring Rodgers in the offseason.
Despite Hackett’s close relationship with Rodgers, the team’s offensive woes couldn’t be ignored. Through five games, the Jets’ inability to move the ball and put points on the board has been glaring.
While some of that can be attributed to Rodgers’ absence, the offensive scheme and playcalling have come under intense scrutiny, prompting Ulbrich to make a change in an attempt to salvage the season.
Todd Downing, who now steps into the playcalling role, brings experience from his previous stints as offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders.
The Jets are hoping Downing’s familiarity with the team’s personnel and a fresh approach to playcalling might help reignite an offense that has struggled to find rhythm.
The question now is whether this coaching adjustment will improve or further destabilize the Jets’ offense. While the potential for improvement exists, especially with a new voice calling the shots, the challenge ahead is steep. The Bills boast one of the league’s toughest defenses, and any offensive turnaround won’t come easy.
As the Jets prepare for their Monday night showdown with the Bills, all eyes will be on Downing’s first game as the playcaller and whether this shake-up can lead to a more productive offense.
While Hackett remains a key figure in the locker room, the decision to demote him marks a pivotal moment in the Jets’ season, signaling their willingness to make bold changes in the pursuit of success.
Whether this move strengthens or weakens the team remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure to deliver results is mounting.
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