Jets offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett is on the hot season in 2024 following an abysmal first year in New York. So much so that the Jets almost hired someone to effectively replace him this offseason after they were "legitimate concerns" about Hackett's ability to run the offense this past season.
SNY's Connor Hughes reported Monday that the Jets "made legitimate attempts" to upgrade their offensive coaching staff after the team's offense finished 29th in points scored in 31st in yards. While New York didn't have Rodgers, Hackett did not shine as offensive coordinator.
"The Jets made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett," Hughes wrote. "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.
"If there’s one major concern heading into the Jets season it’s that: Hackett."
Hackett was a much-maligned choice as offensive coordinator in 2023 after New York parted ways with Mike LaFleur, who's now the OC with the Rams. Rodgers spoke eloquently about his relationship with Hackett following their time together with the Packers, but Hackett struggled as the head coach of the Broncos in 2022 before being fired midway through that season.
Things got worse for Hackett in New York when Rodgers was lost for the year with a torn Achilles. Hackett appeared lost at times running the offense with his stable of bad quarterbacks and couldn't get key players involved like Garrett Wilson. Running back Breece Hall excelled, but even Hall appeared frustrated at times in 2023. Rodgerslater double-down on his endorsement of Hackett as the 2023 season was slipping away and called himself "a believer in the offense."
It's unclear who the Jets would have hired to coach above Hackett. There aren't many offensive minds who would take on a strange pseudo-coordinator position with the incumbent still on the staff. This also all but confirms that Hackett was hired to make Rodgers happy, rather than as someone who can elevate the game.
The Jets are hoping that the personnel changes — and Rodgers' return — should raise Hackett's ability to coach. New York signed Tyron Smith and John Simpson to upgrade the offensive line, signed wide receiver Mike Williams to give Rodgers more weapons and traded for tackle Morgan Moses. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets took tackle Olu Fashanu in Round 1 to beef up the offense, wideout Malachi Corley in Round 3 and running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis to add to the running game.
Hackett's seat has never been hotter heading in 2024. Though the same can be said for general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and even Rodgers himself.
