Nathaniel Hackett interview with Jets sparks Aaron Rodgers rumors, mockery

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By , Audacy Sports

The New York Jets are reportedly considering a name from their own family tree for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

Gang Green was set to interview former Packers offensive coordinator and Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett to lead the offense, according to Diana Russini of ESPN.com.

Hackett's father, Paul, spent several years as Jets offensive coordinator under then head coach Herman Edwards, roughly two decades ago.

Despite the connection, the prospect of the younger Hackett coming to New York didn't exactly drum up good feelings from many Jets fans and NFL observers.

After all, Nathaniel Hackett was cut loose by Denver after just 15 games at the helm, during which the Broncos went 4-11 and vastly underachieved relative to heady preseason expectations. Hackett appeared overmatched and unprepared at times, and the team appeared to play better following his dismissal, seemingly validating his many critics.

Meanwhile, Paul Hackett was something of a polarizing figure among Jets fans during his four-year stint as offensive coordinator from 2001-04. The team went 35-29 overall and reached the playoffs three times, but many fans felt the offense was vanilla and lacked the threat of the big play.

In any event, Nathaniel Hackett's interview makes some degree of sense given his ties to Jets head coach Robert Saleh. The two worked together for several years with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Perhaps more interestingly, Hackett is largely believed to have forged a close relationship with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during his time in Green Bay.

The Hackett-Rodgers relationship was of particular interest to some elements of Jets Twitter, but many others simply weren't impressed.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: USA Today