The Jets demote Nathaniel Hackett, tap Todd Downing to call him an insult

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – On his second full day on the job, New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich made a major overhaul of his coaching staff, relieving beleaguered offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling responsibilities.

The move announced by Ulbrich on Thursday has additional significance as Hackett is a confidant of Aaron Rodgers. One of the main reasons Rodgers wanted to be traded to the Jets last year was his close relationship with Hackett.

The new playcaller is Todd Downing, a former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator who coaches quarterbacks and holds the title of passing game coordinator. He will have “full say over the game plan and ultimately over the plays that are called within the game,” said Ulbrich.

“It’s more of a byproduct of a different way of looking at things,” he explained his reasoning. “I’m by no means saying it’s a better or worse way of looking at things, just a different way of looking at things, a new approach.”

Hackett will remain on staff in an undisclosed role. No titles will change, just the roles, said Ulbrich, who also announced that he would remain defensive coordinator and continue to call the plays. He hopes to become involved in the offense over time and is trying to “infuse my personality” into this unit.

The key to the restructuring, of course, is how it handles Rodgers. Ulbrich said he discussed it with the four-time MVP.

“It was obvious – not necessarily a shock, but we are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel,” Ulbrich said. “They are very, very good friends who have a long history. He understood the decision and supported the decision, and I’m lucky for that.”

Downing will make his debut Monday night against the Buffalo Bills (3-2) at MetLife Stadium. If the Jets (2-3) win, they will own a share of first place in the AFC East.

Former head coach Robert Saleh, who was fired by owner Woody Johnson on Tuesday, was preparing to demote Hackett when he learned of his termination, sources said. On Tuesday, Ulbrich made it clear in his introductory press conference that he was thinking about changes. He did not provide details about Hackett as a playcaller.

Hackett was hired in 2023 to replace Mike LaFleur, whom Saleh hired in 2021. Although the Jets downplayed Hackett’s connection to Rodgers, the clear hope was that Hackett’s presence would lure the four-time MVP to New York. And it worked – the trade, not the insult.

In 22 games under Hackett (just five full games with Rodgers), the Jets’ offense was among the worst in the league. During that span, they ranked 29th in points per game (16.4) and 30th in total yards per game (273).

Rodgers played just four snaps in 2023 due to a torn Achilles tendon and the offense never adjusted as the Jets went through three backup quarterbacks. They expected a strong Rodgers this season, but their numbers through the first five games are virtually identical to last season with Zach Wilson at quarterback: the same number of points (93) and almost the same number of yards per game (284 up to 287).

The 40-year-old Rodgers is off to one of the worst starts of his career. He is averaging just 6.0 yards per attempt, the lowest of his career through five games. Running back Breece Hall is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and the pass protection has allowed 25 quarterback hits in the last two games, leaving Rodgers with a sprained ankle and a sore knee.

On Wednesday, Rodgers acknowledged during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that there “has to be some change” and that he is “on board” with any changes on offense.

Downing, 44, served as a coordinator with the Oakland Raiders (2017) and Titans (2021-2022) in his second season with the Jets. Ulbrich said Downing’s offenses at Tennessee were “ruthless, they finished, they ran the ball, they played on their terms and that’s definitely a style that I liked.” Those attacks were led by star running -Back Derrick Henry.

Downing inherits a talented unit that lacks identity and has managed just two touchdowns in the last two games, an offense that has struggled to score early in games.

“We have to be assertive,” said Ulbrich. “We have to play with confidence. We have to let the ball run away, we have to play on our terms. We must not be afraid of mistakes and half-steps. We have to play this game on our terms and I am very confident that we will see that on Monday night.