Even with a busy offensive staff, that didn’t stop the Jets from trying to lure an intriguing candidate to Florham Park this offseason.
The Jets spoke with former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith about a role with their team working with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in January before he joined the Steelers as offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
It’s unclear exactly what that job entailed, but given Hackett’s relationship with Aaron Rodgers dating back to their Packers days, it likely wouldn’t have involved calling plays.
Smith, who was fired by the Falcons in January after three seasons, wasn’t interested in the Jets role, in part because of its ambiguity, according to ProFootballTalk.
From 2019 to 2020, Smith was successful as the Titans’ offensive coordinator.
During that span, Smith led Tennessee’s offense – including Derrick Henry, AJ Brown and Ryan Tannehill – to the fourth-best mark in expected points added (EPA) per game.
Results followed in terms of achievements, with the Titans reaching the playoffs in both years.
Smith was subsequently named head coach of the Falcons, although no offensive success or victories followed.
The Falcons went 7-10 in each of Smith’s three seasons at the helm, struggling mightily at center while mixing and matching with an aging Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.
The Jets’ hopes of rekindling the magic between Rodgers and Green Bay’s Hackett faded quickly after the 40-year-old tore his Achilles tendon on the fourth play of the 2023 season.
Working instead with Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle, the Jets’ offense finished the year 29th in points per game and last in EPA per play and completion percentage.
With Rodgers back under center and improvements to the team’s receiver room and offensive line, the Jets are hoping their offense can finally turn things around in 2024, especially after not finishing in the top 12 in points per game since 2015.
Hackett, Rodgers and the Jets will begin training camp Tuesday.
