NFL Trade Rumors: New York Jets Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett Loses Play-Calling Duties

The New York Jets have made another significant change on their coaching staff. Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, newly appointed interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich revealed that passing-game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Todd Downing will take over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett for Monday Night Football's matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

Coach Ulbrich announced that Todd Downing will be the play caller for Monday night's game against the Bills. pic.twitter.com/nQC08PtLCc
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 10, 2024

Dowling's rise to power is the second major institutional shake-up on the Jets coaching staff this week. The team fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday following a 2-3 start to the season and a disappointing 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, England, on Sunday.

Hackett's offenses were a much larger problem through five weeks than Saleh's defenses, so it shouldn't be too surprising that he's also facing scrutiny. They've ranked 27th in the league in both total yards per game (286.6) and net yards per passing attempt (5.1) and dead last in rushing yards per game (80.4).

Still, Downing's ascent should hardly inspire confidence. In three seasons as an offensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders (2017) and Tennesee Titans (2021-2022), his offenses have ranked 23rd, 15th, and 28th in points scored. There's a reason he's never held onto play-calling duties for long.

Clearly, the Jets have decided to do everything they can to shake things up. Ultimately, it may be too late. Hackett got his job in the first place because of his long-standing relationship with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers: The pair worked together on the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2021. That marriage helped Rodgers win back-to-back MVPs. The notion that Downing can squeeze more from the 40-year-old quarterback than Hackett beggars belief.

If the Jets want to salvage their struggling offense (and their season), they'll need even more radical changes, including to their roster. Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has reportedly made it known that the Jets are his preferred trade destination; It may be time to finally pull the trigger.