New York Jets' interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich did what Robert Saleh was reportedly ready to do prior to his abrupt dismissal.
Ulbrich is changing duties for the offensive staff, making passing game coordinator Todd Downing responsible for game planning and play calling.
"I did not make this decision easily by any means," said Ulbrich while addressing reporters on Thursday morning in Florham Park. "I'm gonna make Todd Downing the playcaller for the New York Jets going forward. Ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called within the game."
Nathaniel Hackett, known to be a close friend of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, will remain the offensive coordinator despite being removed from the play caller role.
"No titles will change, just duties," said Ulbrich. "He [Rodgers] understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision. I'm fortunate for that. I talked to him. I talked to a lot of different offensive players, and defensive players, for that matter, before making this decision."
Hackett has been an offensive coordinator at the NFL level for the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers. He also served a short unsuccessful stint as Denver Broncos' head coach in 2022. With Rodgers for three seasons in Green Bay, the team averaged 13 regular season wins per year and the quarterback captured two NFL MVP awards.
Meanwhile, Downing last called plays for the Tennessee Titans under former head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. He has been coaching in the NFL since 2005.
"I've always had a ton of respect for Todd. Schematically, I'm always looking at a guy like that as that's a small piece of the puzzle for me. It really is the style of play which that group, what do they embody," said Ulbrich.
As for what to expect from the Jets' offense when it takes the field against Buffalo in a Monday Night Football showdown on October 14, Ulbrich is aiming for a certain style.
"For every Tennessee offense that I ever went against, when Todd was the play caller there, they were tough. They were ruthless. They finished. They ran the ball. They played on their terms. There's definitely a style that appealed to me," said Ulbrich.
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