NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
With Robert Saleh out and Jeff Ulbrich taking over as Jets interim head coach, questions remained about how the team will fix what has been a very disappointing offensive unit through five games.
In an attempt to solve those issues, the Gang Green made a big change in their offensive operation, as Ulbrich announced this week that passing game coordinator Todd Downing is taking over play-calling responsibilities from OC Nathaniel Hackett, starting this Monday night against the Bills.
SNY’s Connor Hughes previously reported that Saleh had made the decision to demote Hackett and hand play-calling duties to Downing on Tuesday morning, just before Saleh was informed he was being dismissed.
“It’s definitely been a unique week,” Downing said Friday. “I’ve been in this profession for a long time now and you think you’ve gone through a lot of different experiences, but this one has certainly been a new one for me.
“I’ve been blown away, humbled and impressed by how everyone has rallied together and focused. You just take it one meeting and one day at a time until you find your groove. It’s been a process and a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m impressed and humbled by everybody around me.”
Downing was originally hired by the Jets in February 2023 and he had quarterback coaching duties added to his plate prior to this season. He previously served as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator for two seasons before joining Gang Green.
Hackett, who has a strong relationship with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay, will remain on as the team’s OC despite the play-calling demotion.
While some may view the transition as a bit awkward from the outside looking in, Downing offered some high praise of the professionalism that Hackett has shown over the past week.
“Nathaniel is one of the greatest men I know and one of my closest dearest friends,” he said. “So getting an incredible opportunity like this definitely came with a bit of a bittersweet taste because…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/todd-downing-jets-offense-ready-173132419.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-10-11 17:31:32
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
