The saga continues. Just 48 hours after the shocking termination of head coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets are also undergoing a huge makeover on the offensive side of the ball. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Thursday morning that Todd Downing will move into the offensive coordinator role, replacing the much-maligned Nathaniel Hackett, who was hired in 2023, as the team’s play-caller and have “final say” on the offense moving forward.
“Regarding the staff, after a lot of time to think about it – and did not make this decision easily by any means – I’m going to make Todd Downing the play caller for the New York Jets going forward,” Ulbrich announced. “And this is more a byproduct of a different take on things – I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things by any means – but just a different take on things, a fresh approach.
“Ultimately Todd will have the full say on the game plan and, ultimately, the plays that are called within the game.”
Downing is respected around the league and has 22 years of NFL coaching experience under his belt, including stints as offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders (2017) and Tennessee Titans (2021-22).
What a difference a couple of days make. Ulbrich had said shortly after replacing Saleh that he had no plans to bring someone new into the fold for the coaching staff from a manpower perspective but left the door open stating that job responsibilities could change.
Hackett’s offense in New York has been widely criticized with and without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps due to an Achilles injury last season, and over the past 22 games he has often appearing archaic and certainly failing to produce the desired results. They finished 31st among the league’s 32 teams last season.
Through five weeks this year, the Jets (2-3) rank 25th league-wide in scoring and 27th in total offense, (yards gained). They are bringing up the rear in rushing, averaging 80.4 yards per game, which is an absolute disgrace because they have a pair or talented backs in Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen.
Ulbrich, an experienced defensive assistant and coordinator who played linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-09, will also be a part of the collaboration into the stagnant attack, saying he planned to “find those places to infuse my personality into that side of the ball from a strategic or from a schematic standpoint.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Jets have been overly dependent on the arm of Rodgers, 40, who has taken a heck of a beating during the club’s current two-game losing streak. He threw 54 times, fifth most of his decorated 20-year career, in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. He also threw three interceptions.
Rodgers, who is a long-time friend and defender of Hackett, he was the Green Bay Packers OC when the signal caller won league MVP honors in 2020 and ’21, said Wednesday during an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he would go along with any changes Ulbrich decided to make.
“There was going to be some things that needed to change regardless of what happened to Robert. We just haven’t been playing consistent football on offense. As we know, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” said Rodgers.
“I’m on board with whatever he decides as far as the offense goes. I want to do what’s best for the team. We’re throwing our support behind Coach Ulbrich and whatever he believes is best for the team, we’re going to go with.”
The Jets host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Monday night in a battle for first place in the division.
