The New York Jets are a mess, and the Denver Broncos are at least partially to blame.
The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, two days after a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London and nine days after a 10-9 loss to the Broncos at home. That loss to Denver apparently “shook the organization,” according to a report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Former Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett has also been a hot topic during the drama. Hackett is the Jets’ offensive coordinator and New York does not plan to fire him despite their offense ranking eighth-worst in points per game (18.6) this season.
The Jets’ decision to fire Saleh and keep Hackett was a curious one, and it sparked speculation that quarterback Aaron Rodgers is running the show.
Before he was fired, Saleh was considering firing Hackett, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Saleh ultimately opted to demote Hackett, announcing Tuesday morning that passing game coordinator Todd Downing would take over play-calling duties, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
Not long after demoting Hackett, Saleh was fired.
“It’s unclear whether the timing is coincidental or connected,” Florio wrote. “Regardless, Hackett was out as play-caller — and then Saleh was out as coach.”
Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will take over as New York’s interim head coach following Saleh’s departure. It’s unclear if Hackett will remain the playcaller under Ulbrich or if Downing’s promotion under Saleh will stand. It’s a messy situation, one that started spiraling out of control after an ugly loss to the Broncos.
As Scotty Gange of 9News pointed out on Twitter/X, Denver’s defense has gotten a quarterback benched (Gardner Minshew) and a coach fired (Saleh) over the last two weeks. We’re eager to see what follows after the Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
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