New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich has taken away Nathaniel Hackett’s mandate to call offensive plays and handed that responsibility to Todd Downing.
Hackett will remain the Jets’ offensive coordinator, while Downing will remain the Jets’ passing game coordinator, Ulbrich said.
It’s the first major decision made by Ulbrich, who was promoted to interim head coach Tuesday when the Jets fired Robert Saleh after four seasons.
Ulbrich also announced that he would retain his title as defensive coordinator and continue to call the unit’s plays.
He said quarterback Aaron Rodgers “understood” the decision to relieve Hackett of his play-calling duties, Ulbrich said.
Downing is in his second season as the Jets’ aerial coordinator. Prior to that, he served as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans for two seasons.
The Jets have had a rough start to the season (2-3), with the offense ranked 27th in the NFL this season.
The Jets will face the Buffalo Bills (3-2) Monday night with a chance to climb to the top of the American East division.
