FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets assistant Todd Downing has seen a lot in his 20 years as an NFL coach, but never anything like this.
In a major coaching shakeup this week, Downing was given command of the Jets’ struggling offense. That means calling plays in place of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his close friend Nathaniel Hackett, the former play-caller, remains on staff in a reduced role.
“This is definitely a unique week,” Downing said Friday. “I’ve been in this profession for a long time and I think I’ve had a lot of different experiences, but this was certainly a new experience.”
It could be an awkward dynamic given the circumstances for Downing, who will make his debut Monday night against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. When a team fires an offensive coordinator during the season, the former coordinator is usually sent packing.
Not in this case. Hackett wants to stay and still holds the title of offensive coordinator.
“I think you’re absolutely right that in a normal situation with normal people, everyday people, that would be (awkward),” Downing said. “I cannot praise Nathaniel enough for the way he has approached his job from the moment the switch happened.”
Downing said Hackett came into his office as soon as the changes were made and gave his full support, saying, “The only thing that was important to him was that this offense did well and that we played the football game.” It was about winning. He put his ego aside.” He’s an absolute servant and it’s really humbling to see how he handles this. ”
The tumultuous event began Tuesday with the sudden firing of coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start. He planned to demote Mr. Hackett and promote Mr. Downing, the people said. The decision fell to interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who elected to make the same move to modify the offense. The Jets rank 25th in points per game and 27th in yards per game.
If Mr. Rogers was upset about the change, he didn’t say so publicly. He said he supports Ulbrich’s decision, but there is a difference between supporting and agreeing. He said he has a “great relationship” with Downing and called him a “phenomenal quarterback coach.” Downing coaches quarterbacks under the title of passing game coordinator.
Downing notes the close bond between Rodgers and Hackett. He doesn’t think there will be any problems because the group has always worked together.
“I’ve been in every meeting that Aaron has been in from a positional standpoint, an offensive standpoint, so I think I’ve learned a different language in a way,” Downing said. “Obviously, things coming out of my mouth are going to look a little different, so it’s going to be a process of finding the best way to communicate with him. “We want to be open about how we can best serve our players.” ”
Rodgers is coming off one of the worst games of his career, with three interceptions in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Downing described it as a flash in the pan and said he expects the four-time MVP to make a comeback.
Downing said he has not yet decided whether he will call plays from the field or the box. He was calling plays from the field as coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2021 and 2022. Hackett was able to interact with Rodgers between series as he called plays from the field.
