Did Robert Saleh dig his own grave? Nathaniel Hackett demotion brings up questions of Jets mess

New York Jets firing Robert Saleh brings questions around the roles of Aaron Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett.


Did Robert Saleh dig his own grave? Nathaniel Hackett demotion brings up questions of Jets mess

Before being let go, Robert Saleh demoted Nathaniel Hackett from play calling duties (Image via Imago/X)

Prior to the latest blockbuster news, the New York Jets were in the heights of media attention recently a grand total of two times. The first was when they traded for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The other was when the superstar went down with a season ending injury.

Now with Robert Saleh out of the door, it has brought some intrigue to the future of the franchise. But one update about OC Nathaniel Hackett has raised some eyebrows.

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NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk spoke with several sources within and around the Jets.

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Saleh informed the coaching staff that passing game coordinator Todd Downing would become the game-day play-caller, with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett demoted.

As per PFT

This news would have generated some attention had Robert Saleh not been fired. It would have looked like a decision that the now former head coach made after several instances of offensive lapses the New York Jets faced in their first five games.

Last season, star QB Aaron Rodgers requested the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator. Their relationship dates back to their two years together with the Green Bay Packers, a time when Hackett helped Rodgers win his fourth league MVP award. Their relationship was so strong that the Jets hired him over what is generally the head coach’s decision.

By promoting passing game coordinator Todd Downing, Saleh invariably undermined his star quarterback’s favorite personnel. It is unclear if this decision had anything to do with his dismissal, but questions are rampant to whether owner Woody Johnson preferred to appease his quarterback. Hackett continues as the Jet’s OC, proving that Johnson probably revoked Saleh’s decision.

Nathaniel Hackett, Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers were an odd combination

The New York Jets recruited Robert Saleh as head coach after he played a stellar role in helping the San Francisco 49ers defense deliver outstanding performances. The team hoped his passion on the field would serve as the catalyst for their resurgence. Instead, nothing of that sort came to the fore as the Jets continued to struggle behind awful quarterback play.

New York Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett at the request of star QB Aaron Rodgers
New York Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett at the request of star QB Aaron Rodgers (Image via Yahoo Sports/x)

When the team decided to throw everything behind Aaron Rodgers, many felt Saleh could now start winning. But the first signs of displeasure came when Nathaniel Hackett came into the picture. The trio always seemed to be within touching distance with each other, but never really embracing each other’s presence.

Many analysts and fans have pointed out that Hackett has underwhelmed as an offensive coordinator since his hiring. On top of that, Saleh was promoting someone who was fired after one lackluster season with the Tennessee Titans. All of this points to a possible power play, even if Rodgers may suggest he had a good relationship with his now former head coach.