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The New York Jets continued to make changes to the coaching staff in the aftermath of Robert Saleh’s firing earlier this week.
Quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Todd Downing will replace offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as the team’s playcaller, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Thursday.
“After a lot of time to think about it — and did not make this decision easily, by any means — I’m going to make Todd Downing the playcaller for the New York Jets going forward,” Ulbrich told reporters. “This is more the byproduct for a different take on things. I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things, by any means — but a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game plan and, ultimately, the plays that are called within the game.”
A Hackett demotion had been rumored in recent days, even after Saleh was fired. New York’s offense has arguably been the main reason for its 2-3 start, ranking 27th in total offense (286.6 yards per game) and 25th in scoring (18.6 points per game) despite Aaron Rodgers’ return from his Achilles injury.
Ulbrich offered some effusive words about Hackett even though he is demoting him.
“Just another testament to the human being that Nathaniel Hackett is, the fact that he’s going to give us everything in his body, heart and soul,” Ulbrich said. “He’s going to continue to be a big part of the success that we’re going to have going forward from an offensive perspective. I feel so fortunate that he’s staying with us. I mean, here’s a guy that’s been a head coach in this league willing to draw cards, willing to do whatever it takes — the true heart of a servant.
“I feel so fortunate that he’s on our staff, that he’s in our lives, and I can’t speak enough good things about him.”
Hackett was hired by New York early in the 2023 offseason, months before the team traded for Rodgers. The decorated quarterback has sung Hackett’s praises since their time together with the Green Bay Packers, where…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jets-demote-nathaniel-hackett-name-todd-downing-new-playcaller
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Publish date : 2024-10-10 15:37:47
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