The New York Jets were reportedly seeking to add a new offensive voice to the organization this past offseason.
Exploring the idea of hiring someone to potentially supersede highly-criticized offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in the organizational hierarchy, the Jets spoke to current Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about a position on staff according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini and the Scoop City podcast.
Smith was available on the jobs market at the time, having been fired from his post as Atlanta Falcons' head coach.
Russini's report is another jab at Hackett, who has a great relationship with Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their shared time as Green Bay Packers. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, has publicly defended Hackett, who has been blamed for New York poor 2023 offensive performance after their franchise quarterback was lost to a season-ending Achilles tear.
This offseason, Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh, known for his keen defensive mind, announced plans to be "more involved" with the offense. Saleh's expanded role has apparently not lessened Hackett's importance to the operation.
"I think it’s business as usual. I look at the whole offseason. I was involved in every single conversation, and it was great. I think having Robert around, being able to work with him has been very good for our offense," said Hackett at the start of OTAs Phase 3 in May.
The 44-year-old Hackett dismissed the idea that he was in danger of losing stature.
"This is what I would tell you. I don't know what those reports are, and I don't know where those sources came from. I know what happened with us and it was great. We had a lot of conversations, got to talk with a lot of different people and it's that simple. It's already been addressed," said Hackett.
