OC Nathaniel Hackett a big reason Aaron Rodgers is attracted to Jets
Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers before an NFL game against the Lions on Jan. 9, 2022, in Detroit. Credit: AP
The Jets’ best move of the offseason was hiring Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
Hackett’s relationship with Aaron Rodgers was one of the reasons why he wants to play for the Jets. Hackett developed a strong relationship with Rodgers while working as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. “There’s a lot of reasons why the Jets are attractive,” Rodgers said on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “But there’s one coach who’s meant as much to me as any coach that I’ve ever had, and he happens to be the coordinator over there.”
The Jets hired Hackett after parting ways with Mike LaFleur. Hackett had worked previously with coach Robert Saleh. But there has been speculation that the Jets brought in Hackett to improve their chances of getting Rodgers, who took offense to that narrative.
“That actually diminishes the ability that he has to coach football and connect with people,” Rodgers said. “That is, to me, [expletive] objective reality. Anybody who’s been around Nathaniel Hackett knows that he brings a lot of energy, a lot of fun, he’s an incredible teacher of the game especially at the quarterback position and he’s a really good human being.
“For people to say that that was done just in an attempt to lure me is a total disservice to Nathaniel Hackett, what he’s accomplished in his career. I push back at that every time. He’s not just a bleeping great human but he’s a great football coach. And if Robert Saleh can understand that and Woody Johnson can — you can ask them. For them to do it just in an attempt to lure me is a disservice to that organization in general and a disservice to Nathaniel and what he’s accomplished in this league and the kind of person he is.”
Two-minute drill
The Jets lost two key defensive tackles and brought one back. Starter Sheldon Rankins is signing with the Texans and backup Nathan Shepherd is headed to New Orleans. But the Jets are re-signing defensive tackle Solomon Thomas on a one-year deal. . . . Linebacker Quincy Williams signed a three-year, $18 million contract to remain with the Jets.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
