Like father, like son. Nathaniel Hackett is reportedly headed to the Big Apple as the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, filling the same position his father Paul held during the early 2000s. Hackett replaces Mike LaFleur, who the Jets fired earlier this month, holding him responsible for the team’s late-season struggles culminating in a six-game losing streak.
The 43-year-old is coming off a miserable tenure with the Broncos, lasting just 15 games as Denver’s head coach. While the Broncos proved to be a poor fit, Hackett’s past coordinating experience made him appealing to the Jets, who, despite meaningful contributions from Garrett Wilson (a finalist for Rookie of the Year) and Breece Hall before his ACL injury (5.8 yards per carry), were among the least-efficient offenses in football this year, averaging the fourth-fewest points (17.4) and eight-fewest yards per game (318.2). Of course, Hackett’s Broncos were even worse, topping 30 points once all season with declining veteran Russell Wilson looking like a shell of the player he was in his Seahawks prime.
There’s reason to be skeptical of Hackett, who worked alongside Robert Saleh in Jacksonville. However, Hackett can’t hurt in the Jets’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, who many suspect is plotting a move elsewhere following another frustrating season in Green Bay. Hackett was Rodgers’ offensive coordinator during his MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021, parlaying that success into his first head-coaching role with Denver.
Along with Hackett, the Jets also hired former Titans assistant Keith Carter as their offensive line/run-game coordinator. Carter and Saleh previously collaborated in Seattle, serving on Pete Carroll’s staff during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl campaign in 2013.
Related
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram