NFL Rumors: Robert Saleh eyed Kingsbury, Bieniemy, more for Jets coaching staff in 2024 | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

It's telling that Saleh appeared to want to hire an entirely new offensive coordinator, but didn't just fire Hackett outright. Russini wrote that Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers “was involved in the process of hiring a new coach” but “did not want to fire Hackett.”

New York found itself in a serious situation.

Hackett's demotion then naturally raised the question of what purpose the offensive coordinator serves if he is no longer trusted as the main player.

Russini pointed to another lingering problem when she wrote that giving passing game coordinator Todd Downing the playsheet “ultimately won't change much in the Jets' offensive process.” The decision on the play still rests with Rodgers, who is expected to fundamentally continue to exercise his right to change any decision he doesn't like at the line of scrimmage.

Saleh isn't entirely innocent of the Jets' disappointing 2023 season or their disappointing start this year. However, Russini's report confirms that from the moment the Jets decided to tie their fate to Rodgers, he was working with one hand tied behind his back.