Jets' Nathaniel Hackett reacts to bombshell report about job status

New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett spoke with reporters on Tuesday about a bombshell report from last week that claimed the franchise essentially wanted somebody else to run the offense this coming season. 

"I don’t know what those reports are and I don’t know where their sources came from," Hackett said during a news conference, as shared by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "I know what happened with us. It was great. We had a lot of conversations, got to talk to a lot of different people. It’s that simple. It’s already been addressed." 

Hackett joined the Jets in January 2023 months before the club acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers first had Hackett as a coordinator from 2019 through the 2021 campaign, but the two only worked together for four meaningful offensive snaps last season before the future Hall of Famer suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1. 

ESPN stats show that the Rodgers-less Jets finished the 2023 regular season ranked 31st in the NFL with an average of 268.6 offensive yards per game. Rodgers seemingly is on track to begin the upcoming campaign as New York's QB1 and head coach Robert Saleh confirmed earlier on Tuesday that Hackett will remain Rodgers' primary play-caller.

"I think it's business as usual," Hackett said about his working relationship with Saleh, per SNY. "I look at the whole offseason. I was involved in every single conversation. I think having Robert around, being able to work with him, has been very good for our offense."

Hackett also acknowledged that he feels he has Saleh’s support heading into training camp. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2024 Jets at -135 betting odds to end the longest active playoff drought among the four major North American sports leagues. 

Team owner Woody Johnson could blow things up in January if Saleh and Co. fail to achieve that goal regardless of Rodgers' wishes or health. 

As for Rodgers, the four-time regular-season Most Valuable Player who turns 41 years old this December presumably could play for another few years if he doesn't pursue non-football interests as soon as next offseason.