NFL Rumors: Jets, Arthur Smith Discussed Play-Calling Role amid Hackett Criticism

The New York Jets spoke with ex-Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith last offseason about “possibly being part of the playcalling process” amid criticism of Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s performance before Smith eventually took the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator job.

“Nathaniel Hackett is entering his second season as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator, but the team had some conversations this offseason about a new approach to offensive play-calling — and Aaron Rodgers was made aware.

“Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was one of those coaches that the Jets talked to about possibly being part of the play-calling process, as reported on the first episode of The Athletic’s new NFL podcast, Scoop City.”

The Jets finished fourth-last in the NFL with 15.8 points per game in Hackett’s first season as the team’s offensive coordinator, although the team’s preseason plans and hopes were erased after quarterback and prized offseason acquisition Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Still, the Jets couldn’t get anything going on offense under Hackett, who had previously found great success as Rodgers’ offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers (2019-2021).

Smith found success as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator before taking the Falcons’ head coaching gig in 2021. However, three straight 7-10 seasons led to his firing.

So Smith was available during the 2024 offseason. And even though Rodgers is set to return to the Jets and reunite with Hackett, the Jets apparently considered a fresh voice on the playcalling front.

However, that’s not happening. Smith is now in Pittsburgh, tasked with jumpstarting an offense under another new figure in town, nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.

Meanwhile, the Jets are pretty much running it back with their original 2023 plan, hoping the Rodgers-Hackett combo can replicate the magic that at best led to Green Bay finishing with the top-scoring offense in football in 2020.

The Jets do have some new blood to work with on offense, namely veteran wideout Mike Williams and rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley. And the line looks fortified with left tackle Tyron Smith, left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses now in town.

And with Rodgers returning, perhaps that’s all good enough for Hackett to lead the productive offense that the Jets envisioned when they brought him in last year.