Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will not call the plays now under new head coach Jeff Ulbrich
New York Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing against the Tennessee Titans last month. Credit: AP/George Walker IV
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jeff Ulbrich made his first major move as the Jets' new interim coach, and he said it has Aaron Rodgers’ blessing.
Ulbrich has stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties and gave them to Todd Downing. No titles will change, just duties, Ulbrich said. Downing will remain the Jets’ passing game coordinator and Hackett the offensive coordinator.
“Todd will have the full say on the game plan and the plays that are called in the game,” Ulbrich said Thursday morning.
The Jets' offense has been among the NFL’s worst the last 22 games that Hackett was the primary play-caller. Ulbrich called this move a chance to have “a different take on things, a fresh approach.”
Ulbrich replaced Robert Saleh, who was fired on Tuesday. There were reports that Saleh was going to take the play-calling responsibilities away from Hackett before he was let go. The Jets have scored just two touchdowns during their two-game losing streak. They play the Bills on Monday night.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in the preseason. Credit: Noah K. Murray
Rodgers and Hackett have a very close relationship. They worked together in Green Bay, and Hackett’s hiring last year was a big reason why Rodgers chose to play for the Jets instead of retire. Ulbrich said he spoke to Rodgers about the decision and he was on board.
“We all are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel,” Ulbrich said. “They’re very, very good friends that go back a long way. He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision. I’m fortunate for that.”
Ulbrich said he will remain the Jets' defensive coordinator and continue to call the plays. The Jets are ranked No. 2 in overall defense and 27th in offense.
Downing has been an offensive coordinator for the Raiders (2017) and the Titans (2021-22). While with Tennessee, the Titans finished 15th and 29th in total offense. Their strength was running the football. They were No. 5 in rushing in 2021 with Derrick Henry.
Ulbrich reflected on his games against the Titans in making this decision.
“They were tough, they were ruthless, they finished, they ran the ball, they played on their terms,” Ulbrich said. “There’s definitely a style that appealed to me."
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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