SNY: Jets Tried to Hire Person to Run the Show for OC Hackett amid Aaron Rodgers Buzz

It's no secret that Aaron Rodgers is a big fan of New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Others in the organization may not feel the same.

According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the Jets reportedly considered bringing aboard someone above Hackett's head to run the offense:

"The Jets made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett. Not as a new offensive coordinator, but a title above who would run the show. The Jets had enough things they needed to address this offseason without replacing areas they're content with. That pursuit tells me, internally, there are legitimate concerns with Hackett's ability to successfully run things."

"It almost feels like the Jets are putting so much faith in Rodgers' ability to correct Hackett's wrongdoings. Sources spoke of many, many times last summer where Hackett called a play, then Rodgers changed it completely at the line. They figure he can do the same come the regular season."

That follows a report from Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic in January that head coach Robert Saleh "explored adding to the offensive staff and creating a more collaborative play-calling process that would reduce Hackett's role, a clear indication the team has lost confidence in his ability to run the offense on his own."

The Jets floundered after Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear four snaps into the first game of the 2023 campaign, finishing 31st in yards (268.6 YPG) and 29th in scoring (15.8 PPG). Zach Wilson struggled immensely yet again, throwing only eight touchdown passes along with seven interceptions and 46 sacks taken in 12 games.

Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle didn't fare any better, combining for three touchdowns and eight interceptions across eight total appearances.

Wilson wasn't good before Hackett came to New York either, but the fact that the Jets didn't put him in a better position to win didn't speak highly of the coaching staff, with Hackett at the tip of that spear.

As Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini reported in January, "offensive players felt like Rodgers' hand-picked offensive coordinator, Hackett, failed to adjust after losing his quarterback and didn't put them in positions to succeed."

Rodgers is notorious for changing the play call at the line and making adjustments on the fly, essentially serving as a second offensive coordinator on the field. Hackett allowed him that freedom, taking a more hands-off approach with the veteran quarterback. But that approach didn't work with the team's less experienced and talented quarterbacking options.

Hackett will get another crack at it with a healthy Rodgers in 2024. But if the offense flounders yet again, it isn't hard to guess who will be the first person shown the door.