Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Thursday morning that Todd Downing would take over the reins of offensive play-calling for the Jets.
"I'm going to make Todd Downing the play-caller for the New York Jets," Ulbrich said. "And this is more a byproduct of a different take on things. I'm not saying it's a better or worse take on things by any means, but just a different take on things, a fresh approach. Ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called within the game."
The Jets (2-3) have struggled to find consistency offensively through five games. In losses to the Broncos and the Vikings the past two weeks, they were limited to three field goals and 17 points, respectively.
"I definitely want to have an influence there as well," Ulbrich said of the offense. "I'm going to look really hard this week at how I can find those places to infuse my personality into that side of the ball. From a strategic or from a schematic standpoint, I don't know if there will be a ton of input. But as far as style of play – absolutely. The way this thing looks Monday night, I'm hopeful that I can infuse that into them."
Downing, in his second season with the Jets as passing game coordinator, served as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2021-22. During that time, the Titans ranked No. 4 in red zone efficiency (64.1%) while QB Ryan Tannehill's 7.32 yards per attempt were No. 8 in the league. In his first year as OC, the Titans finished No. 5 in rushing (141.4 yds/g) despite missing Derrick Henry for nine games. That 2021 offense ranked No. 8 on third down (43.6%) and No. 5 in red zone (63.9%).
"For every Tennessee offense that I went against when Todd was the play-caller there, they were tough, they were ruthless, they finished, they ran the ball and they played on their terms," Ulbrich said. "There's definitely a style that appealed to me in that way."
Nathaniel Hackett, who directed the offense for 22 games in 2023-24, will remain on Ulbrich's staff.
"He is going to continue to be a big part of the success we're going to have from an offensive perspective," Ulbrich said of Hackett. "I feel so fortunate that he is staying with us. Here's a guy that has been a head coach in this league and willing to draw cards, willing to do whatever it takes. A true heart of a servant. "
Ulbrich, who has served as the team's defensive coordinator since, 2021, will continue to call plays and develop the game plan for a unit that is No. 1 in yards allowed/play (4.26) and No. 2 both in pass yds/play (4.88) and sacks/pass attempt (12.86%).
