Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will not call the plays under new head coach Jeff Ulbrich

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jeff Ulbrich made his first major move as Jets interim coach, and he got Aaron Rodgers’ blessing.

Ulbrich stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties and gave them to Todd Downing, who has been the passing game coordinator. No titles will change, just duties, Ulbrich said.

“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 in the 22 games that Hackett was the primary play-caller. Ulbrich said this move to Downing, a former offensive coordinator for the Raiders and Titans, gives the Jets a chance to have “a different take on things, a fresh approach.”

Ulbrich replaced Robert Saleh, who was fired on Tuesday. Reportedly, before Saleh was let go, he planned to take the play-calling responsibilities away from Hackett.

The Jets (2-3) have scored only two touchdowns during their two-game losing streak. They will host the Bills on Monday night.

Rodgers and Hackett have a very close relationship. They worked together in Green Bay, and Hackett’s hiring last year played a big factor in Rodgers choosing to play for the Jets instead of retiring.

Rodgers said he was not surprised by Ulbrich’s decision and is on board with it.

“I knew there’d be changes after they let Robert go,” Rodgers said. “I had conversations with ’Brich over the last two days. I knew that he was thinking about it, leaning toward it, and I told him I’d back him whatever he decided.”

Rodgers wouldn’t say if he thought the change was necessary.

“That’s not something for me to have an opinion on,” he said. “It was ’Brich’s decision. I told him I’d back him whatever he decided.”

Ulbrich said he’s “fortunate” that Rodgers backed the move.

“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 defensive coordinator and will continue to call the plays. The Jets are ranked No. 2 in overall defense and 27th in total offense.

Downing served as offensive coordinator for the Raiders in 2017 and for the Titans from 2021-22. The Titans finished 17th and 30th in total offense. Their strength was running the football.

The Titans were No. 5 in rushing in 2021 with Derrick Henry as their lead back. The Jets are last in rushing offense. Ulbrich reflected on the Jets’ 2021 game against the Titans during his decision-making process.

“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.”

It’s unclear what Hackett’s role will be. Ulbrich said Hackett still will be “a huge contributor” to what they do on offense, and he appreciated how he handled his demotion.

“I feel so fortunate that he’s staying with us,” Ulbrich said. “After being told that, he’s like, ‘I got your back.’ For him to say that to me — ‘I got Todd’s back. I got this team’s back. I got the staff’s back and I’m going to give you everything I got’ even with this different role — amazed by the heart of a servant that he has.”

Notes & quotes:  Rodgers (ankle) was limited in practice but is expected to play Monday . . . Ulbrich said right tackle Morgan Moses (knee) is on track to return from a two-game absence . . . C.J. Mosley (toe) has a chance to play after missing the last three games . . . Nickel back Michael Carter II (back) didn’t practice and will undergo further evaluation . . . Defensive tackle Leki Fotu (hamstring) practiced in full and could be activated from IR this week.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.