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Jets’ Nathaniel Hackett could lose his play-calling duties
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Jets’ Nathaniel Hackett could lose his play-calling duties

The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday. Now let’s answer some questions about the move:

Question: Has anyone else been fired?

A: No. Many might have expected offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to be the one to lose his job due to the way the offense is being played, but Hackett is still employed. It is believed that interim coach Jeff Ulbrich could take the play-calling duties away from him and give them to passing game coordinator Todd Downing. Sources said Saleh was considering the same move before he was fired.

Question: Was Aaron Rodgers behind this decision?

A: All indications are that Rodgers had no role in this decision. There has been speculation in recent weeks about how well Rodgers and Saleh were getting along, but sources said there was no real friction there. Rodgers was not consulted about the move.


Nathaniel Hackett (l.) and Robert Saleh (r.)
Nathaniel Hackett (l.) and Robert Saleh (r.) AP

Question: Whose decision was it then?

A: This was all owner Woody Johnson. It appears he consulted with a very small group within the Jets on Tuesday morning before making the move. He spoke to GM Joe Douglas about the decision, but it sounds like Douglas wasn’t involved in the decision itself.


Follow the latest news on the New York Jets firing head coach Robert Saleh:


Q: Can interim coach Jeff Ulbrich keep the job permanently?

A: I think Ulbrich has a good chance of keeping the job in 2025. This squad is talented and that hasn’t changed. They’ll be playing for first place in the AFC East on Monday night, so the playoffs are still very much in play. If the Jets end their 13-year playoff drought under Ulbrich, how can the Jets not keep him as head coach?

Q: If Ulbrich doesn’t get the job, who are the other candidates?

A: We’re still a few months away from coach search season, but there are a few obvious candidates. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick is an interesting name, but would he really want to work for Johnson, who he had reservations about leaving the job in 2000? Then there’s Mike Vrabel. The former Titans coach will be a popular name in this hiring cycle. If the Jets choose the assistant coach route, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be a leading candidate.

Q: Will Ulbrich remain the defensive coordinator?

A: Ulbrich said all changes are on the table. He will evaluate in the coming days whether he thinks he can carry out the tasks on matchday and also carry out the defensive actions. If he doesn’t call the defense again, cornerbacks coach Tony Oden and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton are interim options.

Q: Does this affect a potential trade for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams?

A: I don’t think this has any effect on the Jets’ interest in Adams. I didn’t get the sense that Saleh had any strong feelings about a potential trade either way. The bigger issues with the Adams trade are the compensation for the draft pick and his salary. Will the Raiders eat some of the money? Will the Raiders have less than a second-round pick? Those are the obstacles to reaching a deal.


Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post

Question: How does Joe Douglas survive?

A: Many will point to Douglas’ 29-59 record as GM and ask how he can keep his job while Saleh doesn’t. Johnson’s comments that this is the most talented roster he has had as an owner let you know what he thinks of the job Douglas has done in assembling it. He clearly places the blame for the Jets’ losses on coaching and not talent. However, if the Jets continue to stumble, Douglas could be the next to go.