Nathaniel Hackett Removed as Jets Play-Caller After Saleh Exit; Todd Downing Promoted

After the firing of head coach Robert Saleh earlier this week, New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich made the first major change in his newfound position.

Per Brian Costello of the New York Post, Ulbrich announced on Thursday that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has been stripped of his play-calling duties, and passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Todd Downing will assume that role during games going forward.

Jonathan Jones of CBS noted that Hackett would remain offensive coordinator in title, but this still marks a demotion.

Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is known to have a close personal relationship with Hackett, said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he would support Ulbrich and any changes to the offensive staff he chose to make.

New York's offense has been criticized for its lack of innovation, particularly over the last two weeks following disappointing losses to the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. The team ranks last in the NFL with an average of 80.4 rushing yards and 27th with 286.6 total yards per game.

Those numbers are a far cry from what was expected from a unit that is led by a four-time NFL MVP and includes talented players like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. Amid the team's stagnation and 2-3 record, Jets owner Woody Johnson made the drastic decision to fire Saleh on Tuesday.

New York hopes to end a 13-year playoff drought, tied for the longest in any of the four major sports leagues. The team is certainly hopeful that these sweeping changes will pay off in the long run.

The new-look Jets coaching staff will face its first test when the team hosts the Buffalo Bills with first place in the AFC East on the line on Monday Night Football.