Insider drops bombshell report about Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett

On Monday morning, NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY dropped somewhat of a bombshell report about much-maligned New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

"The Jets made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett," Hughes said. "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."

The Jets hired Hackett after the 2022 season before they officially acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. 

Rodgers first had Hackett as a coordinator from 2019 through the 2021 campaign, but the future Hall of Famer went down with a torn Achilles early into the 2023 regular-season opener. 

Hackett then failed to turn 2021 first-round draft pick Zach Wilson into a legitimate replacement for Rodgers, and the Jets ultimately finished the season at 7-10.

According to ESPN stats, Hackett's offense ended this past season ranked 31st in the NFL with 268.6 offensive yards per game and 29th with 15.8 points scored per contest. 

It's widely assumed the Jets retained Hackett, head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas because they all had Rodgers' support. 

"It almost feels like the Jets are putting so much faith in Rodgers’ ability to correct Hackett’s wrongdoings," Hughes continued. "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."

Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly could clean house next winter if Rodgers and Co. don't end the longest active playoff drought among the four major North American sports leagues. 

Assuming Hughes' information is accurate, it sounds like Johnson is letting Rodgers call the shots regarding at least some personnel and coaching decisions for a second straight spring.