After enduring one of the most disappointing seasons in recent history, the New York Jets have finally made the move many expected after Nathaniel Hackett’s disastrous tenure as offensive coordinator. Following his disastrous year with the Denver Broncos, the Jets’ decision to hire Hackett has been widely criticized, especially as the team’s offense continued to flounder throughout 2024. It seemed as though the Jets’ patience with Hackett was running thin, and after the season’s end, the front office moved quickly to rectify the situation.
Hackett, who was supposed to unlock quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s potential, was unable to provide meaningful offensive progress. Despite his previous association with Rodgers during their time together in Green Bay, Hackett’s influence on the Jets’ offense was minimal, leaving the team stuck in mediocrity. The team’s offensive struggles were a major factor in their inability to make a playoff push, and Hackett’s failure to deliver left many fans and analysts questioning the Jets’ decision-making.
The Jets’ offensive woes under Hackett were compounded by the team’s overall struggles in 2024, including injuries and inconsistent play from Rodgers. Hackett’s inability to adjust his system to the strengths of the Jets’ roster, along with the continued underperformance of the offense, made it clear that a change was needed. The Jets’ offense remained stagnant, and it was evident that they needed a fresh voice and a new direction moving forward.
In the aftermath of Hackett’s firing, the Jets front office faced significant pressure to make a strong hire. They had to bring in someone who could not only improve the offense but also restore confidence to a franchise that has been mired in mediocrity for years. The stakes were high, and the Jets knew they could not afford another misstep at offensive coordinator. Fortunately for them, the situation was not without viable candidates.
One of the most notable names that was considered for the role was Kevin Patullo, who had been the passing game coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Patullo had garnered praise for his innovative approach to the game and his ability to craft a dynamic passing offense. The Jets had shown interest in Patullo before, but ultimately, they passed on him in favor of Hackett, a move that is now being heavily scrutinized.
The Eagles’ decision to promote Patullo to offensive coordinator, however, might make the Jets’ decision look even worse in hindsight. Patullo had been instrumental in the Eagles’ offensive success, working alongside head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts to create one of the most potent offenses in the league. His promotion comes as little surprise, given the Eagles’ continued dominance, and many believe Patullo is on the fast track to a potential head coaching job.
Meanwhile, Hackett has struggled to regain any traction in the NFL. After being stripped of his play-calling duties midway through the 2024 season, Hackett’s influence on the Jets offense was minimal at best. Despite some hope that Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with Hackett might salvage the situation, it became increasingly clear that Hackett was not the right fit for the Jets. His time in New York, much like his short stint in Denver, is likely to be remembered as a failure.
The Jets’ decision to move on from Hackett was undoubtedly necessary, but it also highlights a larger issue within the organization: their inability to consistently make the right coaching hires. Hackett was just one of many questionable decisions made by the Jets in recent years, and his firing marks another chapter in the team’s ongoing quest to find the right leadership. Despite the change at offensive coordinator, the Jets’ future still appears uncertain.
With Hackett now out of the picture, the Jets will need to focus on finding an offensive coordinator who can bring a new approach to the offense and help Rodgers return to his MVP-caliber form. The Jets have a talented roster, but they need someone capable of maximizing its potential. The search for the right candidate will be critical in determining the direction of the franchise in 2025 and beyond.
There are several promising candidates on the market, and the Jets’ front office will have to do their due diligence to ensure they don’t make the same mistake again. Whether they go for an established name or take a chance on an up-and-coming coordinator, the pressure to get it right has never been higher. The Jets’ offensive struggles have been well-documented, and the new hire will be expected to turn things around quickly.
The decision to part ways with Hackett, while long overdue, has opened the door for the Jets to make a much-needed change. With the right offensive coordinator in place, the Jets could finally break free from their long-standing offensive malaise. However, that will require strong leadership and a clear vision for how to build a dynamic offense that can compete in the AFC East.
As for Hackett, his future in the NFL remains uncertain. After two failed stints as an offensive coordinator, it’s unclear whether he’ll ever get another chance to lead an offense. His relationship with Rodgers may provide some lifeline, but it’s hard to imagine many teams rushing to bring him back as a coordinator. The Jets’ decision to hire him in the first place will likely go down as one of the most significant mistakes in recent franchise history.
The Jets now face a critical juncture in their rebuild. The new offensive coordinator hire is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important one. If the Jets can find someone who can unlock the full potential of their roster, they may finally be able to break out of their long-standing struggles and become a playoff contender once again. But for now, they must focus on making the right hire—and not repeating the same mistakes of the past.