The New York Jets have a new offensive play-caller, Todd Downing, according to Jets X-Factor’s Brandyn Pokrass.
Todd Downing is the new offensive play-caller, according to Ulbrich. Will have full-say on the game-plan and game-planning. #Jets
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 10, 2024
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced the change in his pre-practice press conference in Florham Park, NJ, Thursday morning. The Jets’ new headman also confirmed that he will remain the defensive play-caller.
Ulbrich will also retain defensive play-calling duties on the defensive side of the ball.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 10, 2024
Downing, 44, is currently the Jets’ pass-game coordinator alongside Keith Carter, who handles the run-game coordinating duties. Although offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett remains the offensive coordinator, Downing takes over the play sheet and voice in Aaron Rodgers’s headset starting Monday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Incredibly, this standalone game features the victor taking the top spot in the AFC East. (A Jets victory would put both teams at 3-3, with New York owning the head-to-head tiebreaker.)
Former head coach Robert Saleh brought Downing into the fold two offseasons ago. He previously spent four years with the Tennessee Titans (2019-2022), the first two of which came under then-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who ultimately departed to become the Atlanta Falcons head coach in 2021.
Week 6 Matchup
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The Jets-Titans connection is obvious. Reports surfaced that Saleh eyed Smith this past offseason, but he decided to join Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. Carter is also a former Titans coach.
Downing does have play-calling experience. After Smith left for Atlanta, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, a position he held for just two years before joining the Jets.
As far as the Hackett angle is concerned and how Rodgers felt about the decision, Ulbrich made it clear that his quarterback “understood” the decision.
The 2-3 New York Jets currently prepare for the 3-2 Buffalo Bills to invade MetLife Stadium for Monday Night Football in Week 6.