Nathaniel Hackett stripped of play-calling duties in another huge Jets change

Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich made his first huge transfer Thursday, saying he stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties.

Passing recreation coordinator Todd Downing will take over.

It’s a humiliating transfer for Hackett, who’s in his second yr as offensive coordinator after a disastrous one-year stint as Broncos coach.

It additionally displays poorly on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been Hackett’s greatest champion. The Jets employed Hackett in 2023 with the thought he may assist Rodgers to the crew.

Former Jets coach Robert Saleh had deliberate to make the identical transfer earlier than he was fired on Tuesday.

“After loads of time to consider it, I didn’t make this determination simply by any means, I’m gonna make Todd Downing the play caller of the New York Jets going ahead,” Ulbrich stated. “That is extra of a byproduct of a special tackle issues. I’m not saying it’s a greater or worse tackle issues any means, only a totally different tackle issues, a recent strategy. Finally, Todd may have full say on the sport plan and in the end the performs which are referred to as within the recreation.”

The Jets’ offense has been terrible this season. They’re presently useless final in dashing yards per recreation and haven’t proven enchancment even with Rodgers at quarterback. It’s a huge purpose why Saleh was fired.

Hackett and Rodgers are extraordinarily shut from their time in Inexperienced Bay and this transfer may irritate the prickly quarterback, however Ulbrich stated Rodgers supported the transfer.

“It was clearly not essentially a shock,” Ulbrich stated of Rodgers’ response. “All of us are conversant in the connection he has with Nathaniel they usually’re very, excellent pals that return a protracted methods. He understood the choice and he was supportive of the choice.”

Ulbrich stated Hackett was disenchanted however is prepared to do no matter is requested of him.  

“I really feel so lucky that he’s staying with us,” Ulbrich stated. “Right here’s a man who has been a head coach on this league and prepared to attract playing cards, prepared to do no matter it takes. I really feel so lucky that he’s on our employees and he’s in our lives.”