Jeff Ulbrich makes first big move as Jets HC by demoting Nathaniel Hackett, Todd Downing takes over as OC
Jeff Ulbrich announced that the New York Jets are demoting Nathaniel Hackett and appointing Todd Downing to the post of Offensive Coordinator.
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Interim HC Jeff Ulbrich has demoted Nathaniel Hackett from his role as the Offensive Coordinator of the Jets (Image Credits: L-via Open Source, R-via AP)
The New York Jets continue to make waves after the team’s abrupt decision to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh. The latest decision made by the team is one taken by interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
In his debut press conference as the head coach, Jeff Ulbrich announced that the Jets will have a different face at the offensive coordinator position. Passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Todd Downing will be calling the plays for the offense in place of Nathaniel Hackett in the team’s Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills.
This decision comes a day after a report from CBS Sports’ indicated that Robert Saleh was on the brink of firing Nathaniel Hackett from his duties as the offensive coordinator before he faced the axe. Jeff Ulbrich has not yet given Downing the OC’s title but from his statement, it seems inevitable.
Regarding the staff after a lot of time to think about it… I am going to make Todd Downing the play-caller for the Jets going forward. This is more a by-product 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. So, ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the gameplay and ultimately, the plays that are called within the game.
Jeff Ulbrich briefed
This decision means Nathaniel Hackett will be demoted within the organization, there is no clarity on what role he will be assuming shortly.
Aaron Rodgers is open to Jeff Ulbrich’s decision to demote Nathaniel Hackett
This comes a day after Aaron Rodgers made his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show and gave his two cents on the Jets situation. The quarterback had made it clear that he holds no sway over the decision-making process in terms of hiring or firing coaches.
The four-time NFL MVP further expressed his support for Jeff Ulbrich and stated that he would stand by the interim HC and welcome all of his decisions, including the possibility of no longer having Nathaniel Hackett as his OC. Jeff Ulbrich gave Nathaniel Hackett his flowers in the press conference.
Staying that as well, just another testament to the human being that Nathaniel Hackett is the fact that he’s going to give this everything in his body, and heart, and soul, and he’s going to be a big part of the success we’re going to have going forward from an offensive perspective…I feel so fortunate that he’s staying with us.
Jeff Ulbrich said
He further pointed out to the fact that Hackett has the experience of having been a head coach in the NFL and is willing to compromise and do what it takes to ensure the Jets organization succeeds and thrives.
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
It has been a rough couple of years for Nathaniel Hackett. He was expected to play a pivotal role in helping Aaron Rodgers make the most out of this new-look offense with immense talent after he departed from Denver last year. Things did not go well for him in the Mile High City nor in the Big Apple as he was unable to live up to the expectations.
Todd Downing served as the Tennessee Titans’ OC from 2021 to 2022. Jeff Ulbrich heaped praise on his playcalling during his time with the Titans.
I’ve always had a ton of respect for Todd…for every Tennessee offense that I ever went against when Todd was the play-caller there, they were tough. They were ruthless. They finished. They ran the ball. They played on their terms. And there’s definitely a style that appealed to me in that way.
Jeff Ulbrich added
Considering the 2-3 start that the Jets have had, the team could use a coach that demands them to be tough and ruthless.
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Sumedh Joshi
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