The New York Jets had the worst NFL offense in 2023 after losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers seconds into the season with an Achilles injury. While there’s confidence a revamped group will lead to great improvement, New York reportedly did try to make one major change but came up short.
New York did make major improvements to its on-field personnel this offseason. In addition to signing wide receiver Mike Williams and drafting wide receiver Malachi Corley, the Jets offensive line was overhauled with the additions of Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and Olu Fashanu.
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- New York Jets offense stats (2023): 15.8 points per game (29th in NFL), 4.3 yards per play (31st in NFL), 32.43% red-zone touchdown rate (32nd), 25.96% third-down success rate (32nd)
However, Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was never replaced. Despite being one of the worst play-callers in the NFL over the last two seasons, New York brought him back with the same responsibilities for the 2024 season. With that said, it appears an effort was made to circumvent Hackett’s duties.
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According to Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York, the Jets attempted to hire a replacement for Hackett this offseason. While they would’ve let him keep the title of offensive coordinator this year, he would not have been the one calling plays for the Jets offense.
“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.”
Connor Hughes on the New York Jets’ attempt to replace Nathaniel Hackett
Any team making reported “legitimate” attempts to replace one of its play-callers but begrudgingly keeping them around for another year is a strong sign of a lack of confidence in said coach. In New York’s case, it’s clear Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas don’t have complete faith in Hackett’s play-calling ability right now.
It ultimately means New York decided it wanted to rely on Rodgers to save things and keeping a coach he is very close with was more about personal relationships and making sure the franchise quarterback is happy. If Rodgers is still good enough as a 40-year-old quarterback to mask Hackett’s deficiencies as a play-caller, the Jets offense will be just fine. If not, Hackett likely won’t be the only one let go in 2025.
