Nathaniel Hackett to Remain Jets' Offensive Play-Caller
The New York Jets have decided to stay the course with Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive play-caller for the 2024 season. Despite finishing 31st in points per possession and last in yards per possession in the 2023 season, the Jets' leadership has opted for continuity over change.
Throughout the off-season, there were discussions within the Jets' management about potential changes to their offensive coaching staff. They considered replacing Hackett, reflecting on the team's struggles with third-down conversions and red zone efficiency, which were the worst in the league last season.
Amidst these deliberations, the Jets briefly entertained the idea of bringing in Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who had been dismissed from his role in January. Discussions about Smith joining the Jets were serious enough that he was approached for a significant role on Robert Salah's coaching staff.
A source close to the process mentioned, "The role that he'd actually have on Robert Salah's coaching staff was not clear," hinting at the potential ambiguity surrounding Smith's responsibilities. It was speculated that Smith might have been involved in the play-calling process.
Despite the Jets' overture, Arthur Smith ultimately declined the opportunity. Instead, he accepted a position with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their offensive coordinator. In the wake of Smith's decision, the Jets chose to stick with Hackett for another season.
For Jets fans, the decision to retain Hackett might be a contentious one. The team's offensive woes were glaring in 2023, with inefficiencies that were hard to ignore. However, the leadership seems to believe that continuity and perhaps some internal adjustments might yield better results in the upcoming season. Hackett remains under pressure to transform one of the league's most anemic offenses into a more formidable unit.
As the team prepares for the new season, it will be crucial to address these offensive hurdles head-on. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hackett can turn things around and lead the Jets to a more successful campaign in 2024.