The New York Jets’ Super Bowl aspirations this season were high as they entered Week 1 with quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense with head coach Robert Saleh leading the defense. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, it appears the Jets’ immediate future might already be decided.
After losing Rodgers in the Monday Night Football opener against the Buffalo Bills to a season-ending injury, New York’s hopes for the fall were dashed. Zach Wilson failed as the Jets’ starting quarterback and with Hackett’s play-calling proving unable to dig the Jets out from the bottom, New York was eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15.
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Poor on-field showings and Saleh’s issues in press conferences with his constant defense of Wilson led many to believe the Jets’ leader was on the NFL coaching hot seat. It was even debated that New York could clean house, cutting ties with the coaching staff and front office. However, it seems changes aren’t coming.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there is no indication that Jets’ owner Woody Johnson intends to part ways with Saleh or general manager Joe Douglas before the 2024 season. Instead, New York is expected to stick with the group that Rodgers wants.
Furthermore, per Rapoport, Jets’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is tentatively expected to return next season. Despite New York’s offense struggling for the majority of the year, Rodgers’ relationship with Hackett and the organization’s desire to run it back in 2024 seems to be dictating the decision.
During a recent appearance on The Pat Macfee Show, Rodgers was asked about whether or not he wants the Jets’ regime to return next season. Many around the NFL believed the final call would be left up to Rodgers and the future Hall of Famer made it clear what he wants.
“I believe in the leadership that we have here. I believe in our guys. It’s not a situation where we have to rebuild. We need to reload a little bit and there’ll be some tough decisions. I like the pieces that we have in place.”
Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he wants Robert Saleh, Nathaniel Hackett returning to New York Jets
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With the stamp of approval from Rodgers, the Jets’ roster next season will likely look very similar. New York will maintain one of the best defenses in the league, with its starters under contract for 2024. Offensively, the Jets’ front office will turn its focus this offseason to upgrading the offensive line.
While the 2023 season was supposed to be New York’s all-in year, that all changed when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1. Now, after having their championship aspirations crushed in the season-opener, New York will field the same next season with the hope it all goes right with a 40-year-old quarterback under center in Hackett’s offense.
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