The Devils launched a brand new head coach on Tuesday, the twenty second head coach in franchise historical past.
I assumed that was becoming once I began excited about Nathaniel Hackett this week. I’ve in contrast the job safety of being the Jets offensive coordinator prior to now to being the top coach of the Devils or the drummer in Spinal Faucet.
There may be fixed change at these positions. A Jets offensive coordinator has not spontaneously combusted but, however give it time.
Hackett is getting into his second season as Jets offensive coordinator, which means he’s a veteran of the place. The final Jets offensive coordinator to make it previous 12 months 2 on the job was Brian Schottenheimer, who held the publish from 2006-11.
Since Schottenheimer, Tony Sparano lasted one 12 months, Marty Mornhinweg held it for 2 years, Chan Gailey went via two years, John Morton and Jeremy Bates every lasted one, Dowell Loggains made it two after which Mike LaFleur lasted two earlier than being fired and changed with Hackett.
Adorning the workplace is just not a good suggestion.
So, can Hackett buck the development and make it to a 3rd season in 2025?
One might argue Hackett is the most important query mark across the Jets getting into this season.
If Aaron Rodgers is wholesome, he shall be anticipated to regain his previous type. Joe Douglas has added to the offensive line and the large receiver room via free company and the draft. The protection is anticipated to take care of the excessive degree it has proven prior to now two seasons.
However what about Hackett?
Hackett oversaw a Jets offense in 2023 that completed twenty ninth within the NFL in factors per sport at 15.8. The 12 months earlier than that, he was the top coach of the Broncos, a membership that completed thirty second in factors per sport at 16.9.
These struggles are usually not all on Hackett, in fact. The state of affairs in Denver was clearly a multitude with Russell Wilson. Final season, the Jets hadn’t even performed 1 / 4 earlier than Hackett needed to scrap his plans for a Rodgers-led offense and attempt to navigate a season with Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian at quarterback and an offensive line that was in fixed flux.
Nonetheless, there was not a lot proof that Hackett had solutions to the Jets’ issues in 2023.
That leaves everybody questioning whether or not he shall be a legal responsibility in 2024. Rodgers says no.
“You must belief me, and I belief Nathaniel,” Rodgers advised Adam Schein on SiriusXM final week. “So, to me, that’s finish of story. There’s been a number of BS that’s been stated on the market. There’s a number of issues which have gone on the final couple years that he’s handled that I believe he’s dealt with very professionally. And on the finish of the day, I believe you gotta belief his and my working relationship and the conversations that we’ve got. You gotta belief the employees.”
Rodgers added that their partnership has “been fruitful prior to now and it’s gonna be fruitful once more” this 12 months.
It’s true Hackett was the Packers offensive coordinator in 2020 and ’21, when Rodgers received back-to-back MVP awards, however Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was working that offense.
So colour me skeptical when Rodgers talks about how fruitful the partnership has been.
The Jets and head coach Robert Saleh undoubtedly interviewed some skilled offensive coordinators in January. What’s up for debate is strictly what position these coaches would have had if the Jets employed considered one of them. They went on to turn into offensive coordinators with different groups, which signifies to me they’d not have been calling performs over Hackett.
Saleh has stated he was simply searching for one other voice within the room, not somebody to primarily exchange Hackett. I additionally don’t suppose the Jets might have completed that and gotten Rodgers to log off on it.
“That is what I’d inform you: I don’t know what these reviews are, and I don’t know the place these sources got here from,” Hackett stated in regards to the tales the Jets had been seeking to rent somebody over him. “I do know what occurred with us, and it was nice. We had a number of conversations, received to speak with a number of totally different individuals, and it’s that easy.”
He additionally emphatically answered, “Sure,” when requested if he believes Saleh nonetheless has religion in him.
“I believe it’s enterprise as common,” Hackett stated. “I take a look at the entire offseason. I used to be concerned in each single dialog, and it was nice. I believe having Robert round, with the ability to work with him has been superb for our offense.”
This appears like a no-win state of affairs for Hackett. If the Jets offense performs properly with Rodgers, guess who will get the credit score? No. 8.
If the Jets offense falters, Hackett will be a part of that listing of former Jets offensive coordinators.
There are excessive hopes for the 2024 Jets, with some individuals even predicting a Tremendous Bowl. However there are additionally nonetheless questions on this staff, none greater than Hackett’s potential to guide a high-powered offense.
Security dance
There are usually not many place battles on the Jets this spring and summer time, however the one one I believe that might get fascinating is at security.
Chuck Clark is coming back from an ACL damage he suffered final spring. Tony Adams is getting into his second season as a possible starter. Ashtyn Davis re-signed and has proven he will be an efficient participant in a small position, however do the coaches suppose he deserves an even bigger position?
For the time being, it’s clear Clark and Adams are the leaders on the place.
However I’d not be shocked if Davis will get alternatives in OTAs and in coaching camp to make his case because the starter.
Clark additionally could also be on a pitch depend this summer time as he comes again from the knee damage, which might open the door a bit.
Stat’s so
The Jets haven’t had a potent offense in eight seasons. Is that this the 12 months they will get again to scoring touchdowns in bunches? In that case, they will complement a protection that ought to be stingy once more and perhaps have a optimistic level differential for the primary time since 2015.
Listed below are the highest 10 Jets seasons by factors differential.
1. 1998: 416 factors, 266 opponent factors — 150 level differential2. 1968*: 419 factors, 280 opponent factors — 139 level differential3. 1985: 393 factors, 264 opponent factors — 129 level differential4. 2009: 348 factors, 236 opponent factors — 112 level differential5. 1969*: 353 factors, 269 opponent factors — 84 level differential6. 1982**: 245 factors, 166 opponent factors — 79 level differential7. 2015: 387 factors, 314 opponent factors — 73 level differential8. 2004: 333 factors, 261 opponent factors — 72 level differential9. 1981: 355 factors, 287 opponent factors — 68 level differential10. 2010: 367 factors, 304 opponent factors — 63 level differential
*14 video games**9 video games
Supply: Stathead
