NFL Rumors: Nathaniel Hackett “doesn’t have much support on the Jets’ roster” | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh after more than three seasons, but much-maligned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett kept his job.

Hackett stayed on board despite reportedly not having much support from players or coaches.

Per Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also doesn’t have much support on the Jets’ roster or coaching staff, according to sources, and many have been frustrated with his playmaking dating back to last year.”

Hackett is in his second season as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. New York ranked 29th out of 32 teams in the standings last year and is 25th this year. This year’s Jets team also ranks 28th in yards per game, according to Pro Football Reference.

Hackett was hired in January 2023. Three months later, the Jets traded for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler. Hackett was the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021. Rodgers particularly shined in the last two years, winning back-to-back MVP awards.

Hopes were high for the 2023 season, but Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. The Jets have struggled on offense throughout the 2023 season, largely behind signal-caller Zach Wilson.

There was still optimism this offseason with the return of a healthy Rodgers alongside a revamped offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Mike Williams. But the Jets’ offense continued to be stagnant.

The low point came on Sunday, September 29, when the Jets lost 10-9 at home to the Denver Broncos despite the defense allowing just 60 yards. New York was only able to make three field goals in the loss, and running back Breece Hall finished the game with four rushing yards on ten carries.

New York’s offense got off to a slow start in a 23-17 loss to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Rodgers threw three interceptions (including a pick-six) and managed just 4.5 yards per pass attempt. The running game flopped again, yielding just 36 yards on 14 carries.

It’s entirely possible that Hackett and Rodgers will find out. At 2-3, the Jets’ season isn’t exactly on life support, although they’re in for a brutal stretch in the next month or so with games against the 3-2 Buffalo Bills (home) and the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and 4 :1 Houston Texans.

Ultimately, the Jets defense once again does its part. The question is whether the offense led by Hackett and Rodgers can pull it off. The goal is to prevent the Jets from missing the playoffs for the 14th straight year.