FLOURHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets ended their two-week seek for an offensive coordinator, hiring former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett on Thursday — a transfer that provides to already intense hypothesis in regards to the risk Aaron Rodgers commerce.
Coach Robert Salih mentioned Hackett is the Jets’ “house” rental. Rodgers could make it a grand slam.
Hackett, who changed Mike Lafleur, developed an excellent relationship with Rodgers whereas serving because the Inexperienced Bay Packers’ coordinator from 2019 to 2021. Rodgers’ future at Inexperienced Bay is unsure and the Jets are “dedicated” to buying the veteran quarterback, Salih mentioned. correspondents.
It isn’t arduous to attach the dots, though Saleh claimed he did not focus on Rodgers – or any obtainable quarterbacks – in his interview with Hackett. He mentioned that course of would start subsequent week.
“Every thing is on the floor degree as a result of it would not matter what the connections are,” Saleh mentioned. “Everybody has a reference to everybody on this league.”
Saleh has interviewed greater than 15 candidates for the place, and selected Hackett as a result of he’s a seasoned coordinator and sport caller he has identified from two years collectively on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2015-2016). Saleh mentioned he prefers an skilled play caller. Lafleur was first when he was employed in 2021. Hackett inherits an offense that has failed to attain a landing within the final three video games.
Hackett is a polarizing worker as he emerges from a short and disastrous stint as head coach of the Broncos.
He did not make it by means of one season, as he was fired on December 26 with a 4-11 file. Below Hackett, the Broncos averaged solely 15.5 factors per sport, their lowest whole since 1966. His quick tenure was marked by a pointy decline within the beginning quarterback. Russell Wilson And criticize his selections within the administration of the sport. Late within the yr, he resigned enjoying to linebackers coach Clint Kubik, who additionally interviewed for the Jets’ emptiness.
“It’s a must to personal it,” Salih mentioned of Hackett’s time in Denver. “It is a bit autobiographical and I perceive it. However you need to have the self-discipline to look past the unfairness of modernity. You may have to have the ability to get previous no matter you need to name Denver. However the reality of the matter is that he is a Denver—and he had that chance— Due to his work as offensive coordinator.
Previous to becoming a member of Denver and Inexperienced Bay, the place he was not a play-caller, Hackett was the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars (2017-2018) and the Buffalo Payments (2013-2014). In six seasons as a playcaller, he has solely as soon as had a High 10 offense – 2017 Jaguars, with Blake Bortles at quarterback. He was the coordinator on 4 playoff groups, together with three with the Packers.
Hackett has a distant connection to the Jets. His father, Paul, was the offensive coordinator from 2001 to 2004, throughout which period he was the goal of fan and media criticism. Like his father, Nathaniel runs the West Coast offense, as did LaFleur.
It took Hackett a number of days to analysis the emptiness at Gates. Sources mentioned there was some hesitation as a result of unsettled place of the quarterback with questions in regards to the quarterback Zack Wilsonand long-term job safety for these between the ages of 11 and 23. Hackett nonetheless has 4 years remaining on his Broncos contract.
“He may have been sitting on a sofa for 4 years,” Saleh mentioned, noting that Hackett is worked up in regards to the alternative with the Jets. He inherits an offense that ranks twenty ninth in scoring and twenty fifth in whole yardage. The Jets solely scored 4 touchdowns of their final six video games—all losses—resulting in LaFleur’s departure. Saleh mentioned they plan to revamp their offensive line and purchase an skilled midfielder to exchange Wilson, who seems to be heading for a backup after being named No. 2 total in 2021.
“We’re dedicated to discovering a veteran,” Saleh mentioned. We did not get into names. I do not assume so [Hackett] I’ve studied these guys to date. It’ll begin subsequent week. We did not get into particular names, nevertheless it has been reported that we plan to usher in a veteran quarterback if we will.”
The Jets additionally employed former Tennessee Titans offensive line coach Keith Carter, who was fired on the finish of the season. His title will probably be Line Coach/Working Sport Coordinator. He replaces John Benton, who was fired.
Hackett will assist fill out the teaching workers. The group continues to be searching for a large receivers coach and a senior offensive assistant.