Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich made his first major move Thursday, announcing he was stripping offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties.
He will be replaced by passing game coordinator Todd Downing.
It's a humiliating move for Hackett, who is in his second year as offensive coordinator after a disastrous year as the Broncos' coach.
It also reflects poorly on Hackett's biggest champion, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Jets hired Hackett in 2023 with the idea that Rodgers could contribute to the team.
Former Jets coach Robert Saleh planned to make the same move before being fired Tuesday.
“After a long period of consideration, this was not an easy decision to make. I am going to make Todd Downing the play-caller for the New York Jets,” Ulbrich said. “It's more of a byproduct of a different way of looking at things. I'm not saying it's a better or worse way of looking at things, just a different way of looking at things, a fresh approach. , Todd will have full say in the game plan and ultimately the plays called in the game.
The Jets offense has been terrible this season. They currently rank last in rushing yards per game and haven't shown any improvement with Rodgers at quarterback. That is a big reason why Saleh was fired.
Hackett and Rodgers have been very close since their days in Green Bay, and while the move could frustrate the prickly quarterback, Ulbrich said Rodgers supports the move.
“Obviously it wasn't necessarily a shock,” Ulbrich said of Rodgers' reaction. “We all know the relationship between him and Nathaniel and they are very, very good friends with a long history. He understood that decision and supported that decision.”
Ulbrich said Hackett was disappointed but would do whatever was asked of him.
“We feel very fortunate to have him with us,” Ulbrich said. “We have a guy who is a head coach in this league and is willing to pull the card and is willing to do whatever it takes. We're very grateful that he's on our staff and that he's involved in our lives.” I feel lucky.”
