Nathaniel Hackett stripped of play-calling duties in another huge Jets change

Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich made his first big move Thursday, announcing he stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties.

Passing game coordinator Todd Downing will take over.

It is a humiliating move for Hackett, who is in his second year as offensive coordinator after a disastrous one-year stint as Broncos coach.

It also reflects poorly on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been Hackett’s biggest champion. The Jets hired Hackett in 2023 with the idea he could help Rodgers to the team.

Former Jets coach Robert Saleh had planned to make the same move before he was fired on Tuesday.

“After a lot of time to think about it, I did not make this decision easily by any means, I’m gonna make Todd Downing the play caller of the New York Jets going forward,” Ulbrich said. “This is more of a byproduct of a different take on things. I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things any means, just a different take on things, a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called in the game.”

The Jets’ offense has been awful this season. They are currently dead last in rushing yards per game and have not shown improvement even with Rodgers at quarterback. It is a big reason why Saleh was fired.

Hackett and Rodgers are extremely close from their time in Green Bay and this move could irritate the prickly quarterback, but Ulbrich said Rodgers supported the move.

“It was obviously not necessarily a shock,” Ulbrich said of Rodgers’ reaction. “We all are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel and they’re very, very good friends that go back a long ways. He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision.”

Ulbrich said Hackett was disappointed but is willing to do whatever is asked of him.  

“I feel so fortunate that he’s staying with us,” Ulbrich said. “Here’s a guy who has been a head coach in this league and willing to draw cards, willing to do whatever it takes. I feel so fortunate that he’s on our staff and he’s in our lives.”