Even with an occupied 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 on their staff working with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in January before he joined the Steelers as their offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
It’s unclear what exactly the job would’ve been, though given the relationship between Hackett and Aaron Rodgers dating back to their Packers days, it likely would not have involved calling plays.
Smith, who was fired by the Falcons in January after three seasons, wasn’t interested in the Jets role, partly because of its ambiguity, according to ProFootballTalk.
From 2019-20, Smith was fruitful as the Titans’ offensive coordinator.
In that span, Smith led Tennessee’s offense — including Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown and Ryan Tannehill — to the fourth-best mark in expected points added (EPA) per play.
The results followed in terms of accomplishments, with the Titans reaching the postseason in both years.
Subsequently, Smith was named the Falcons’ head coach, although neither offensive success nor winning followed.
The Falcons went 7-10 during each of Smith’s three seasons at the helm, struggling mightily under center by 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 Hackett from Green Bay faded quickly after the 40-year-old tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the 2023 season.
Working instead with Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle, the Jets offense concluded the year 29th in points per game and last in both EPA per play and success rate.
With Rodgers back under center alongside upgrades to the team’s receiver room and offensive line, the Jets are hopeful their offense can finally right the ship 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 on Tuesday.