The New York Jets have made a decision that will shape their 2024 season, confirming that Nathaniel Hackett will retain his role as the offensive play-caller. This decision comes despite a challenging 2023 season, where the Jets struggled significantly on offense, finishing near the bottom of the league in several key metrics.
Struggles in the 2023 Season
The statistics from the 2023 season paint a grim picture for the Jets' offense. They finished 31st in points per possession and were dead last in yards per possession. Moreover, their performance on third down and in the red zone was also the worst in the league. These issues clearly indicated that the offensive strategy needed reevaluation, leading the Jets' leadership to ponder whether changes should be made.
Hackett's Position Under Scrutiny
As part of their considerations, the Jets' leadership weighed the option of replacing Hackett. One potential candidate they looked at was Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Smith, who was dismissed from his position with the Falcons in January, appeared to be a viable solution to the Jets' offensive woes.
Arthur Smith's Potential Role
The specifics of Smith’s potential role within the Jets' organization were unclear. There was speculation about him "possibly being part of the play-calling process," but no definitive role was outlined. As one source noted, “The role that he'd actually have on Robert Salah's coaching staff was not clear.”
Smith Chooses the Steelers
Ultimately, the Jets' overture to Smith did not result in a hire. Arthur Smith declined the opportunity and instead chose to join the Pittsburgh Steelers as their offensive coordinator. This left the Jets with a significant decision to make regarding their offensive future.
Sticking with Hackett
In the end, the Jets decided to stay the course with Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive play-caller for the 2024 season. Despite the team's offensive struggles in 2023, the leadership has shown faith in Hackett's ability to turn things around. The decision to retain Hackett indicates a belief that continuity, rather than upheaval, might be the key to addressing their offensive inefficiencies.
As the Jets look ahead to the 2024 season, the performance of Hackett's offense will be under intense scrutiny. The team's ability to improve their standing in key offensive metrics will be critical to their success. Whether this decision will pay off remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Jets are committed to giving Hackett another chance to prove his worth as the offensive play-caller.