Jets reportedly tried, but failed to address big coaching staff concern for 2024

The New York Jets made some coaching staff changes, but the leadership structure has mostly been kept in place. But that does not mean the Jets didn't try to make adjustments. According to Connor Hughes, who covers the NFL and the Jets for SNY TV, the Jets considered hiring a new offensive mind to be above Nathaniel Hackett, who is the offensive coordinator thanks to his close relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

During a mailbag article, Hughes explained the Jets' thought process.

^{"This is the major 'but' of the Jets offseason, in my opinion. They really don't have many weaknesses on paper. As long as they stay healthy, they have the chance to be among the best in the NFL. Even if some of their injury-prone guys miss some time (Tyron Smith, Mike Williams), they have players behind them who can fill in (Olu Fashanu, Brownlee). This is as well-rounded, deep of a team as I can remember covering.}

^{But then there's Hackett. The Jets made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett. Not as a new offensive coordinator, but a title above who would run the show. The Jets had enough things they needed to address this offseason without replacing areas they're content with. That pursuit tells me, internally, there are legitimate concerns with Hackett’s ability to successfully run things.}

^{It almost feels like the Jets are putting so much faith in Rodgers' ability to correct Hackett's wrongdoings. Sources spoke of many, many times last summer where Hackett called a play, then Rodgers changed it completely at the line. They figure he can do the same come the regular season.}

^{That's a lot to put on the plate of a player, though – even one of Rodgers' stature. This isn't the NBA.}

^{If there's one major concern heading into the Jets season it’s that: Hackett."}

Putting someone between head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett would be a decent option to recreate what Hackett did well during his time in Green Bay. With the Packers, he was the offensive coordinator, but not the offensive playcaller — a role that was occupied by head coach Matt LaFleur.

So in Green Bay, Hackett was extremely helpful with installations and translating concepts to the players during the week.

As a playcaller, Hackett hasn't had much success lately. In 2022, when he was fired in the middle of his first season as a head coach, Hackett led the Denver Broncos to the 27th best offense by DVOA. Last year, the Jets were 32nd. Even though he had quarterback issues in both cases, it's hard to say that he maximized the units.

Nonetheless, Hackett is extremely close to Aaron Rodgers, who defended him during last season.

"I won MVP twice in the same offense, so I'm a believer," Rodgers said. "I'm a believer in the offense. There are a lot of positions, you have to play better. But, yeah, it's easy right now to throw it at the usual suspects, Zach [Wilson] and Nathaniel, but there's a lot of positions that need to play better."

Nathaniel Hackett is an experienced offensive coordinator. Even before going to Green Bay under Matt LaFleur, he had called plays for the Buffalo Bills (2013-2014) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-2018).

Coaching staff

Even though the Jets kept Hackett, the team made several changes on the offensive coaching staff. They fired quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese, adding this responsability to passing game coordinator Todd Downing's job description. The Jets also replaced running backs coach Taylor Embree with Tony Dews and wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni with Shawn Jefferson.