New York Jets News & Rumors

Earlier this week, a report named Arthur Smith as one of the coaches contacted by the Jets as part of their efforts to add a veteran offensive coach to oversee Nathaniel Hackett. Smith did not end up joining New York’s staff, though, ultimately being hired by the Steelers as their offensive coordinator.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk confirms communication did indeed take place between Smith and the Jets. The 42-year-old was not interested in the opportunity, he adds. Smith’s hesitation to join Robert Saleh‘s staff stemmed in part from uncertainty regarding what his role would be, per Florio.

In the wake of the 2023 season, it was learned Saleh explored moves which would limit Hackett’s authority over the Jets’ offense. A subsequent report confirmed New York looked into hiring a coach who would outrank Hackett and thus serve as de facto OC. Smith was a target in that regard following the end of his Falcons head coaching tenure, but Florio notes his preference was the Pittsburgh offensive coordinator gig.

No other teams met with Smith prior to his Steelers hire, one which will see him return to coordinator duties for the first time since 2020. He guided the Titans’ run-first offense for two seasons, and his success in that regard put him on the head coaching track. Three straight 7-10 campaigns in Atlanta will likely leave Smith waiting for another opportunity in that regard, but in the meantime he will turn his attention to guiding Pittsburgh’s offense – a unit which is expected to rely heavily on the run game.

Scrutiny will remain high, meanwhile, as it pertains to Hackett and the Jets. The 44-year-old had a disastrous head coaching spell in Denver before his New York hire. Aaron Rodgers‘ Week 1 Achilles tear hindered the team’s offense, but improvements on that side of the ball in 2024 will likely be needed for Hackett (along with, potentially, Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas) to remain in place beyond the coming season. Without a supervisor being hired, Hackett will once again have the reins of the Jets’ offense in the absence of Smith – or a staffer of similar experience – overseeing him.

The Jets will rely on Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator and play-caller in 2024, but his job security has been a talking point during the offseason. New York sought out a de facto Hackett replacement following his first season at the helm; more details on that front have emerged.

One of the candidates the Jets contacted in their search for a veteran offensive mind was Arthur Smith, Dianna Russini reported on the initial episode of The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast. Smith – who was fired after the conclusion of his third season as head coach of the Falcons – may have had a role in offensive play-calling had New York followed through with a hire. Russini added quarterback Aaron Rodgers was “made aware” of the general efforts on the team’s part to supplement Hackett on the coaching staff.

After a three-year run as a non play-calling OC with Rodgers and the Packers, Hackett received his first head coaching opportunity with the Broncos in 2022. His tenure in the Mile High City lasted less than one year after a disastrous outing in charge of the team. His hire as offensive coordinator of the Jets led to high expectations upon reuniting with Rodgers, but the latter’s Week 1 Achilles tear derailed New York’s season.

The Jets finished near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories in 2023 as the team struggled to find production in the passing game in particular. Hackett – along with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas received a mulligan from ownership, however. Hackett has also received public praise from Rodgers and a vote of confidence that a heathy season under center will produce the desired results on offense in 2024.

Smith’s head coaching stock was generated during his time as OC of the Titans. His Atlanta tenure consisted of three consecutive 7-10 seasons, though, and the team’s offense did not produce as expected. The 42-year-old was hired by the Steelers as their new offensive coordinator, and his experience with ground-heavy attacks could mesh well in Pittsburgh. Considering the extent to which the Jets’ offense will rely on running back Breece Hall in 2024, Smith may have also fit in as a key figure on New York’s staff.

In any event, attention will continue to be focused on Rodgers’ health and Hackett’s play-calling effectiveness as the Jets aim to rebound on offense this season. Questions about the latter’s future could intensify if New York is unable to do so, something which could prompt another search for new voices along the sidelines.