With Robert Saleh out and Jeff Ulbrich taking over as Jets interim head coach, questions remain about how the team will fix what has been a very disappointing offensive unit through five games.
In an attempt to solve those issues, Gang Green made a big change in their offensive operation, as Ulbrich announced this week that passing game coordinator Todd Downing is taking over play-calling responsibilities from OC Nathaniel Hackett starting this Monday night against the Bills.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that Saleh had made the decision to demote Hackett and hand play-calling duties to Downing on Tuesday morning, just before Saleh was informed he was being dismissed.
“It’s definitely been a unique week,” Downing said Friday. “I’ve been in this profession for a long time now and you think you’ve gone through a lot of different experiences, but this one has certainly been a new one for me.
“I’ve been blown away, humbled and impressed by how everyone has rallied together and focused. You just take it one meeting and one day at a time until you find your groove. It’s been a process and a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m impressed and humbled by everybody around me.”
Downing was originally hired by the Jets in February of 2023, and he had quarterback coaching duties added to his plate prior to this season. He previously served as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator for two seasons before joining New York.
Hackett, who has a strong relationship with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay, will remain on as the team’s OC despite the play-calling demotion.
While some may view the transition as a bit awkward from the outside looking in, Downing offered some high praise of the professionalism that Hackett has shown over the past week.
“Nathaniel is one of the greatest men I know and one of my closest, dearest friends,” he said. “So getting an incredible opportunity like this definitely came with a bit of a bittersweet taste because I love that man and I love his family. I think the world of him as a coach, as a person, and as a friend.
“I can’t express to you the respect I’ve had for the way Nathaniel has gone about his business from the moment the switch occurred. He walked into my office and told me he wanted to support me and he wanted to see me succeed in this role. The thing that matters to him is this offense putting together a good product and us winning football games.”
It’s been a struggle for the Jets’ offense during the two seasons with Hackett at the helm, as they finished last season with the fewest touchdowns (22) and the lowest passer rating (70.5) in the NFL.
And even with Rodgers back under center this season it’s been much of the same so far, as Gang Green currently ranks 30th in average yards per carry (3.6) and 28th in yards per pass attempt (5.9).
Downing is planning on taking things on a week-by-week basis starting with Monday’s divisional matchup, but he’s confident that the offense can get things trending in the right direction.
“I think there have become times where people have been pressing a little bit because there is expectation for production and when it isn’t met you can feel a sense of urgency,” he said. “But I believe our guys are ready to answer the bell and make the adjustments. We need to make to get this thing back on track.”
