New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich has wasted little time in shaking things up in East Rutherford, stripping offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties.
Ulbrich took over the top job earlier this week following the surprise dismissal of Robert Saleh and his first major call was to replace Hackett, with passing game coordinator Todd Downing now holding responsibility for calling plays.
“After a lot of time to think about it, I did not make this decision easily by any means, I’m gonna make Todd Downing the play caller of the New York Jets going forward,” Ulbrich said.
“This is more of a byproduct of a different take on things. I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things any means, just a different take on things, a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called in the game.”
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
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Rodgers supports the move
It’s an interesting move politically as well with Hackett, who has come in for heavy criticism with the Jets’ offense struggling this season, known to be close to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Ulbrich insisted Rodgers supported the move.
“It was obviously not necessarily a shock,” Ulbrich added. “We all are familiar with the relationship he has with Nathaniel and they’re very, very good friends that go back a long way. He understood the decision and he was supportive of the decision, and I’m fortunate for that.”
It’s another disappointing development for Hackett, who was in his second season as OC after a terrible spell as head coach of the Denver Broncos.
“I feel so fortunate that he’s staying with us,” Ulbrich said of Hackett. “Here’s a guy who has been a head coach in this league and willing to draw cards, willing to do whatever it takes. I feel so fortunate that he’s on our staff and he’s in our lives.”
Bills first-up for new regime
Downing, a former OC at the Tennessee Titans, will be on play-calling duty when the 2-3 Jets face the 3-2 Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Monday night.
“We’ve got to be assertive,” Ulbrich said. “We’ve got to play with confidence. We’ve got to run off the ball, we’ve got to play on our terms. We can’t be afraid of mistakes and half-stepping. We’ve got to play this game on our terms and I’m very confident we’re going to see that Monday night.”
