Nathaniel Hackett could see a reduced role with the New York Jets
The New York Jets are reportedly looking to tweak their offensive play-calling process.
In The Athletic’s lengthy report about the team’s dysfunction in 2023, there was a piece of information that may offer insight into the team’s plans for next season.
It is stated in the article that “(Nathaniel) Hackett will return as the offensive coordinator in 2024, though team and league sources say (Robert) Saleh has explored adding to the offensive staff and creating a more collaborative play-calling process that would reduce Hackett’s role, a clear indication the team has lost confidence in his ability to run the offense on his own. (Aaron) Rodgers has been involved in those discussions.”
Nathaniel Hackett will return as the #Jets offensive coordinator in 2024, though Robert Saleh has explored adding to the offensive staff and creating a more collaborative play-calling process that would reduce Hackett’s role, per sources.
More here: https://t.co/vk3YIjrZmI
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 31, 2024
This would be yet another development in what has turned into an eventful start to the offseason for the Jets.
New York has already parted ways with its former running backs coach, Taylor Embree, and hired a new one, Tony Dews. It also hired Shawn Jefferson as its new wide receivers coach, while assistant general manager Rex Hogan departed on Wednesday.
Adding another offensive staffer to share play-calling duties is not a bad idea if executed correctly. Hackett showed deficiencies in his creativity and ability to adjust during the 2023 season. By adding another voice to help with play-calling, the Jets could have a better chance of executing a productive offense.
However, this would mean putting confidence in Robert Saleh and his ability to organize his offensive staff. Play-calling was already convoluted last season, with multiple voices having a say in what the offense was running.
Adding another member to the staff would change the hierarchy and rearrange roles.
The Jets have multiple avenues to improve their offense, one of which is adding another coach to their offensive staff. But as with other possibilities, it all comes down to execution, and it is on Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh, and the Jets to build a staff that can put their offense in the best position to succeed.
I don’t see how they can leave Hackett in the OC spot and bring in another offensive mind. I would reassign Hackett (since they don’t want to fire him). Create a new job. Offensive Morale Coordinator or something, but bring in someone else to be the OC to design plays, install them in training camp, and execute them in games.