The New York Jets continue to make changes in an effort to reverse course on their 2-3 start to the 2024 NFL Season. After firing head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, New York has now moved to switch their offensive play-caller.

Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced the change during his first press conference in his new position: quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Todd Downing will replace offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as the team’s play-caller.

Hackett has called plays for New York since he was named offensive coordinator in 2021. He was appointed in part due to his success with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2019-2021. The pair are said to be close friends.

“Regarding the staff, after a lot of time to think about it [and we] did not make this decision easily by any means, I’m going to make Todd Downing the play-caller for the New York Jets going forward,” Downing told the media.

“This is more a byproduct of a different take on things. I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things by any means. Just a different take on things, a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called within the game.”

Saleh was reportedly keen to demote Hackett before his firing, a move many believed would have angered Rodgers. Ulbrich noted how Rodgers “understood” the team’s decision.

Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans speaks with offensive coordinator Todd Downing during the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers

Todd Downing served as Ryan Tannehill’s offensive coordinator in 2021 as the Titans secured the top seed in the AFC ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

The Jets quarterback did not play well in Hackett’s last game as the signal caller. Rodgers completed just 29 of his 54 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in New York’s 23-17 loss in London to the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite employing a four-time MVP quarterback alongside Pro Bowl-caliber weapons in running back Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, Hackett’s offense yanked just 27th in yards per game.

The Jets rank dead last in the NFL with a paltry 80.4 rushing yards per game. Enter Downing, who coaxed successful rushing attacks as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans from 2021-22 with star Derrick Henry.

Tennessee stormed to a 12-5 in 2021 and was the top seed in the AFC while ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and 15th in total points. The wheels fell off the following season as the Titans sunk to 7-10 while the offense regressed to 28th in scoring.

Downing was let go following the 2022 season and served as the Jets passing game coordinator alongside Hackett in 2023.

His first test will be a critical one. The Jets will face the 3-2 Buffalo Bills on Monday night for a chance at the top spot in the AFC East. Buffalo’s defense ranks just 26th in rushing defense, giving Downing a chance to show off his chops in the ground game.