Jets demote Hackett from play-calling due to offensive issues

New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will no longer be responsible for deciding offensive plays. Instead, Todd Downing, the team's passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, will take over the game management, a decision that can hopefully breathe new life into a sluggish offense.

Hackett, who was instrumental in bringing Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets, will remain with the team, albeit in a reduced role.

This represents a deliberate pivot for an offense that had high expectations under Hackett but has struggled to find its footing all season.

The Jets' offensive performance fell far short of expectations, ranking last in rushing yards per game (80.4) and 27th in total yards per game (286.6). Those disappointing numbers were a disappointment, especially with Rodgers at the helm and a roster with talent like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Mike Williams.

The Jets' offensive woes have been evident in recent weeks, particularly during their narrow 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos and a lackluster performance against the Minnesota Vikings.

The offense seemed uninspired, and even Rodgers' usual strengths, such as his pinpoint accuracy and trademark hard scoring, have become problematic. False starts have plagued the offense, and the passing game has suffered from miscommunications and broken passes that halted attacks and led to penalties that sapped any momentum.

Downing, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, is expected to bring new energy to the Jets' offense. Ulbrich pointed to Downing's experience at Tennessee, where his offenses were known for their toughness, discipline and ability to dictate the tempo with blocking and running game traits, traits that have been sorely lacking in the Jets' offense this season.

While many are wondering what impact this will have on star QB Aaron Rodgers, it shouldn't have the impact many believe.

Although Rodgers and Hackett are longtime friends, Hackett never played for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, a responsibility delegated to head coach Matt Lefleur.

Given Hackett's abysmal 13-24 record as a play-caller between his time with the Jets and his only season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, this may not be a good role for him. Downing certainly provides more upside, at least in terms of results, as he won 12 games and captured a division title in his only season as a play-caller for the Titans.

Rodgers has publicly supported Ulbrich's decision, admitting on the Pat McAfee Show that “something needs to change” and that he is “on board” with any changes on offense.

The first test for Downing and the Jets' revamped offense will come on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. With first place in the AFC East on the line, it will be a matter of how quickly the team can adapt and improve in the face of these significant changes and distractions.

If the Jets hope to end their 13-year playoff drought, the offense will need to turn things around quickly, starting with this crucial matchup.