The New York Jets were expected to be a Super Bowl contender in 2023 with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Instead, one of the best rosters in the AFC unraveled just a few snaps into the season because of Rodgers’ season-ending injury in Week 1. It created a domino effect that has put the Jets’ coaching staff on the hot seat.
After a summer full of optimism, New York’s hopes for the 2023 season collapsed in seconds in the season opener on Monday Night Football when Rodgers was carted off the field with an Achilles tear. While New York won that game, they’ve now lost five consecutive entering NFL games today and are effectively out of the playoff picture.
Related: New York Jets draft picks 2024
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, it’s “assumed around the building” that the current Jets’ coaching staff including head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will return in 2024. As of now, the belief is that the Jets’ ownership wants to run it back next season with the same identity they had this season.
However, there is an important caveat. Russini notes that the Jets’ coaching staff would only remain in place if that’s what Rodgers wants New York to do.
- New York Jets offense 2023: 14.3 points per game (30th in NFL), 260.1 total yards per game (31st), 23.13 percent third-down conversion rate (32nd), 2.2 red zone scoring attempts per game (30th)
Rodgers has given no indications publicly that he wants any staff changes. He’s long been a vocal supporter of Hackett, both believing he can be an NFL head coach and supportive of his play-calling. While the Jets’ offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, Rodgers’ relationship with Hackett could save his job.
Related: NFL defense rankings
Saleh isn’t necessarily viewed as part of the core problem in New York. Under his direction, New York’s defense has become one of the best in the NFL over the last two seasons. However, repeated public missteps and poor handling of the quarterback situation have put Saleh’s coaching future in doubt.
For now, it appears New York is poised to ride the same roster and coaching staff it had this season into 2024. If Rodgers stays healthy, the Jets can be a playoff contender next season. However, the risks of a 40-year-old quarterback regressing or suffering another injury behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines will once again jeopardize the thin thread the Jets’ playoff hopes cling to.
