Report: Jets made attempt to replace Nathaniel Hackett

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets are bringing back Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator for 2024, but it certainly does not sound like they wanted to.

The Jets quietly maneuvered to try to essentially replace Hackett as offensive coordinator during the offseason, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. In a new mailbag, Hughes wrote that the Jets made “legitimate attempts” to hire someone who would work above Hackett and “run the show.” Hackett would have retained the title of offensive coordinator, but the hire would have essentially stripped him of meaningful power.

Ultimately, the Jets never made such a hire. Hughes notes that the team may effectively be relying on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to essentially cover for Hackett’s shortcomings.

Hackett was Rodgers’ offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers from 2019-2021, which he parlayed into a head coaching job with the Denver Broncos. That was a disaster, as he was fired after starting 4-11. He landed with the Jets largely due to the Rodgers connection, and while the team rallied around him for one particular matchup, confidence in him does not seem high. Owner Woody Johnson’s public comments at the end of the season would certainly provide more evidence for that.