NFL Rumors: Nathaniel Hackett ‘Doesn’t Have a Lot of Support on the Jets Roster’

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 8, 2024

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The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh after three-plus seasons, but much-maligned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett retained his job.

Hackett stayed aboard despite reportedly not having much support among players or coaches.

Per Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett doesn’t have a lot of support on the Jets roster or coaching staff either, according to sources, and many were frustrated with his play-calling dating back to last year.”

Hackett is in his second season as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. New York finished 29th out of 32 teams in scoring last year and is 25th this year. This year’s Jets team also ranks 28th in yards per play, per Pro Football Reference.

Hackett was hired in Jan. 2023. Three months later, the Jets traded for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler. Hackett was the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. Rodgers notably shined in the latter two years, winning back-to-back MVP awards.

Hopes were high going into the 2023 campaign, but Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. The Jets struggled on offense for the entirety of the 2023 campaign largely behind signal-caller Zach Wilson.

Optimism still reigned this offseason with a healthy Rodgers returning alongside a re-tooled offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Mike Williams. But the Jets’ offense has remained stagnant.

The low point occurred on Sunday, Sept. 29, when the Jets lost at home 10-9 to the Denver Broncos despite the defense only allowing 60 passing yards. New York could only muster three field goals in the defeat, and running back Breece Hall finished with four rushing yards on 10 carries.

New York’s offense started slow in a 23-17 loss to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Rodgers threw three interceptions (including a pick-six) and managed just 4.5 yards per pass attempt. The run game flopped again, accounting for just 36 yards on 14 carries.

It’s certainly possible that Hackett and Rodgers can figure it out. At 2-3, the Jets’ season isn’t exactly on life support just yet, although a brutal stretch looms over the next month or so with games against the 3-2 Buffalo Bills (home) and at the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and 4-1 Houston Texans.

Ultimately, the Jets defense is doing its part yet again. The question is whether the Hackett- and Rodgers-led offense can figure it out. The bullseye is squarely on the unit to do so to avoid the Jets missing the playoffs for the 14th straight year.