In a stunning turn of events just before his dismissal as head coach of the New York Jets, Robert Saleh was reportedly on the brink of firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, sources revealed to CBS Sports.
Jets owner Woody Johnson made the decision to part ways with Saleh on Tuesday morning, catching many within the organization off guard. This marked the first in-season firing by Johnson in his twenty-five years of owning the team, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Saleh’s departure amidst high playoff expectations this season came as a shock to many, but Johnson felt it was necessary to make a change for the team to have a shot at success.
“This is one of the most talented teams that has ever been assembled by the New York Jets,” Johnson said during a press conference on Tuesday. “I want to give the team the most opportunity to win this season, [so] I feel like we had to go in a different direction.”
With a record of 20-36 as head coach, including a 2-3 start to the current season, Saleh struggled to produce the desired results on the field. Losses to the Broncos and the Vikings in consecutive weeks sealed his fate, paving the way for his eventual ouster.
Sources revealed that Saleh had been contemplating replacing Hackett, a move that could have been made as soon as Tuesday had Saleh not been relieved of his duties. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich steps in as the interim head coach as the team readies for a showdown with the Buffalo Bills, with full authority on coaching staff decisions moving forward.
Had Saleh proceeded with firing Hackett, Todd Downing would likely have been promoted to the role of offensive coordinator. Downing, who previously served as the Titans offensive coordinator and Jets passing game coordinator, was seen as a potential replacement for Hackett.
The Jets’ offense has faced scrutiny throughout the season, ranking poorly in multiple categories such as first downs per game, offensive points per game, net passing yards per attempt, and total yards. Hackett, who had a brief stint as the head coach of the Broncos and a successful run as offensive coordinator in Green Bay, has faced criticism in recent years for his coaching decisions.
Following Mike LaFleur’s departure in January, the Jets brought in Hackett amid speculation that his hiring was linked to the team’s pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The subsequent trade for Rodgers further fueled the belief that Hackett was instrumental in the quarterback acquisition.
As the Jets navigate through this turbulent period, all eyes will be on Ulbrich and the coaching staff as they aim to steer the team back on track for a successful season.
