Exactly what Robert Saleh reportedly wanted to do before he was fired has now been done by the Jets’ new head coach: Nathaniel Hackett has been stripped of play-calling duties.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich told the media Thursday that passing game coordinator Todd Downing will take over play-calling, moving offensive coordinator Hackett to what may now be more of a ceremonial role in the offense on game day.
“After a lot of time to think about it, I did not make this decision easily by any means, I’m gonna make Todd Downing the play caller of the New York Jets going forward,” Ulbrich said. “This is more of a byproduct of a different take on things. I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things any means, just a different take on things, a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called in the game.”
Hackett, who has long been a close confidante of QB Aaron Rodgers, has led the Jets’ offense to a ranking of dead last in rushing yards per game, while Rodgers and the pass game rank 17th and the team is 18th in the NFL in points.
There are reports that Saleh’s attempt to demote Hackett rubbed Rodgers the wrong way and led to Woody Johnson dismissing Saley, but Ulbrich said that Aaron was on board.
“It was obviously not necessarily a shock,” Ulbrich said. “We all are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel and they’re very, very good friends that go back a long ways. He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision, and I feel so fortunate that (Hackett) is staying with us. Here’s a guy who has been a head coach in this league and willing to draw cards, willing to do whatever it takes. I feel so fortunate that he’s on our staff and he’s in our lives.”