In a move laced with both conviction and continuity, the New York Jets have decided to stick with Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive play-caller for the 2024 season. This decision comes despite a challenging 2023 campaign that saw the Jets finishing 31st in points per possession and dead last in yards per possession.
The Struggles of 2023
Last season was anything but smooth for the Jets' offense. Under Hackett's guidance, they endured numerous difficulties, culminating in them having the worst third-down conversion rates and red zone efficiency in the entire league. These struggles inevitably led to introspection within the Jets' leadership as they weighed their options moving forward.
Considering Change
During this period of reflection, the Jets' higher-ups seriously contemplated whether a change was necessary. One name that surfaced prominently in discussions was Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons who was dismissed from his role in January. Smith's reputation and experience made him a tantalizing option for the Jets as they pondered potential upgrades to their offensive strategy.
However, the exact nature of the role Smith would have undertaken was somewhat vague. "The role that he'd actually have on Robert Salah's coaching staff was not clear," an insider revealed, adding a layer of uncertainty to the potential hiring. There was speculation that he might be involved in "possibly being part of the play-calling process," indicating that the Jets were exploring various ways to integrate Smith's expertise into their operations.
Smith's Decision and Future Path
Ultimately, the courtship of Arthur Smith did not come to fruition. Smith decided to decline the overture from the Jets, choosing instead to join the Pittsburgh Steelers as their offensive coordinator. This move cut short any possibility of him contributing to a revamped offensive strategy for the Jets.
Commitment to Hackett
With Smith opting for the Steelers, the Jets were left with a crucial decision — whether to go back to the drawing board or continue the course. After weighing their options, the organization elected to retain Hackett for the 2024 season. This decision signifies a vote of confidence in Hackett’s ability to turn around an offense that struggled mightily last year.
The Jets' faithful will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how Hackett plans to address the glaring issues from 2023, particularly in the areas of third-down conversions and red zone efficiency. The upcoming season will be pivotal not just for Hackett but also for the entire Jets' management, as they aim to translate this continuity into on-field success.
By choosing stability over a new direction, the Jets are betting that Hackett can leverage the experience and lessons of a troubled year into a more potent and efficient offensive unit. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hackett and his tactical evolution, hoping that last year’s challenges serve as a foundation for future improvements rather than a predictor of struggles to come.