Nathaniel Hackett among the coaches to interview for Jets offensive coordinator opening

The New York Jets are continuing their interview process for potential offensive coordinators. The biggest name so far to speak with the team is former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Hackett was fired by the Broncos from their head coaching job before the end of his first season. The rationale behind the hire in the first place always seemed to be based on his relationship with Aaron Rodgers as a member of the Green Bay Packers coaching staff under Mike LaFleur. This time last year it seemed like Rodgers might push for a trade. When that didn’t happen, the Broncos dealt for Russell Wilson, a move which has looked like a failure so far.

Looking through Hackett’s record, it feels like his time with the Packers was a bit like Adam Gase’s years with Peyton Manning. He landed a head coaching job mainly by being associated with great years by an iconic quarterback. The remainder of Hackett’s career is unimpressive, albeit with an equally unimpressive slate of quarterbacks. Perhaps above all else this should serve as a sign that the quarterback the Jets acquire will likely have far more of an impact than the offensive coordinator they bring in.

He is the son of Paul Hackett, who was a deeply unpopular figure in the fan base during a four-year stint as Jets offensive coordinator from 2001 to 2004.

The Jets also interviewed Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley who is also in the mix for the New England job.

Bill Belichick reportedly thinks highly of Caley and blocked him from moving to the Raiders with Josh McDaniels a year ago. Belichick through his career has tried to steer his proteges from joining the Jets so whether you like Caley or not, a move to the Jets could be unlikely.

The Jets have also reportedly spoken with Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson.

Johnson is viewed as a bright young offensive mind. He has worked as Jalen Hurts’ position coach the last two years as the quarterback has developed into a star. He was also Dak Prescott’s position coach in college at Mississippi State.