The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh after more than three seasons, but much-maligned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett kept his job.

Hackett stayed on board despite reportedly not having much support among players or coaches.

Per Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also doesn’t have much support on the Jets roster or coaching staff, according to sources, and many were frustrated with his play-calling last year.”

Hackett is in his second season as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. New York finished 29th out of 32 teams last year and is 25th this year. This year’s Jets team also ranks 28th in yards per play, according to Pro Football Reference.

Hackett was hired in January 2023. Three months later, the Jets traded for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler. Hackett served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. Rodgers has shined especially in the last two years, winning back-to-back MVP awards.

Expectations were high entering the 2023 campaign, but Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. The Jets struggled on offense throughout the 2023 campaign, largely behind signal caller Zach Wilson.

Optimism still prevailed this offseason, with a healthy Rodgers returning alongside a retooled offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Mike Williams. But the Jets’ offense remained stagnant.

The low point occurred on Sunday, September 29, when the Jets lost 10-9 at home to the Denver Broncos despite allowing only 60 passing yards to the defense. New York could only manage three field goals in the loss, and running back Breece Hall finished with four rushing yards on 10 carries.

New York’s offense started slow in a 23-17 loss to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Rodgers threw three interceptions (including a pick-six) and managed just 4.5 yards per pass attempt. The run game flopped again, accounting for just 36 yards on 14 carries.

It’s certainly possible that Hackett and Rodgers could find out. At 2-3, the Jets’ season isn’t exactly on life support, although a brutal stretch looms over the next month with games against the 3-2 Buffalo Bills (home) and the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. and 4-1 Houston Texans.

Ultimately, the Jets defense does its part again. The question is whether the Hackett and Rodgers-led offense can figure this out. The bullseye is clearly on the unit to do this to prevent the Jets from missing the playoffs for the 14th straight year.