New York Jets Interim Coach Jeff Ulbrich Makes Major Change that Could Frustrate Aaron Rodgers

Jeff Ulbrich didn’t waste any time making a major change, after taking over as New York Jets interim head coach following Robert Saleh’s firing on Tuesday.

Prior to Saleh being relieved of his duties, reports surfaced that he had considered removing play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a move that Ulbrich made official during his first press conference of the week on Thursday, ahead of Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

“Regarding the staff,” Ulbrich told reporters. “After a lot of time to think about it, and did not make this decision easily, by any means … I’m going to make Todd Downing the play-caller for the New York Jets, going forward.

“This is more a byproduct on a different take on things, I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things, by any means, but a different take on things. A fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game-plan, and ultimately the plays that are called within the game.”

An Argument can be made that the shakeup is a necessary move to jolt an offense that seems to lack chemistry, cohesion, or a clear direction, after finishing the first five weeks of the season ranked 27th in the league in total offense while averaging just 286.6 yards per game.

Downing, who arrived in New York prior to last season as the offensive passing game coordinator had been serving as quarterbacks coach, under Hackett during the 2024 campaign.

At age 44, Downing had previously served as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator from 2021 through the 2022 season before arriving in New York.

Play-calling Change a Shot Across The Bow at Aaron Rodgers

There’s a chance that Ulrich ripping play-calling duties from Hackett could anger quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

After all, Hackett was Rodgers’ handpicked offensive coordinator choice from their time together with the Green Bay Packers.

However, during an appearance on The Pat MacAfee Show this week, Rodgers seemed almost resigned to the idea that Hackett’s role could be changing.

“There were going to be some things that needed to change, regardless of what happened to Robert,” Rodgers said. “We just haven’t been playing consistent football on offense. As we know, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

“When you have a couple of games, and obviously I didn’t play well in either of them, but we just don’t play very efficiently, you’ve got to adjust some things,” Rodgers added. “Brich [Ulbrich] and I have talked a couple of times, and I’m on board with whatever he decides as far as the offense goes. I want to do what’s best for the team, and we’re throwing our support behind Coach Ulbrich, and whatever he believes is best for the team is what we’re going to go with.”

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