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After showing in 2023 that he’s more like the head coach he was in Denver and less like the offensive coordinator he appeared to be in Green Bay, the New York Jets reportedly made moves this offseason to try and hire someone who would effectively undermine embattled offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
According to Jets reporter Connor Hughes of SNY, the Jets made “legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett.”
The reason that the word “essentially” is featured in the report is likely because the Jets are too scared to actually fire Hackett due to his relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to complete an official pass for the team.
“Not as a new offensive coordinator, but a title above who would run the show. The Jets had enough things they needed to address this offseason without replacing areas they’re content with. That pursuit tells me, internally, there are legitimate concerns with Hackett’s ability to successfully run things,” Hughes reported.
According to Hughes, despite the organization’s concerns about Hackett’s competency, they’re letting the situation ride with the hopes that Rodgers’ ability to audible will be able to overcome the flaw.
“It almost feels like the Jets are putting so much faith in Aaron Rodgers’ ability to correct Hackett’s wrongdoings. Sources spoke of many, many times last summer where Hackett called a play, then Rodgers changed it completely at the line. They figure he can do the same come the regular season. That’s a lot to put on the plate of a player, though – even one of Rodgers’ stature. This isn’t the NBA.”
Perhaps most damning of all is that, in Hughes’ assessment, the playcalling of Hackett is the “one major concern” the team has heading into the 2024 season.
The other primary concern that the Jets have heading into the 2024 NFL season, other than the health of Rodgers’ 40-year-old Achilles, is their offensive line, which they attempted to address by acquiring Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, while also drafting offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu.