They'll Be Back! Robert Saleh Addresses Jets Coordinators' Job Security

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 1/8/24

The New York Jets are keeping the band together, attempting to run it back in 2024 according to head coach Robert Saleh.

While addressing reporters from the podium in Florham Park on Monday, Saleh answered "yes" to the question of whether he anticipates all three of the team's coordinators to return next season. That means Nathaniel Hackett (offense), Jeff Ulbrich (defense) and Brant Boyer (special teams) will continue their roles as unit leaders.

It appears that if any of the aforementioned three coordinators are not part of the 2024 Jets' staff, it will be because they earned a better opportunity elsewhere.

"We're gonna evaluate the staff, said Saleh. "There's some guys that I'm sure will have opportunities elsewhere, but I'm not anticipating anything significant [in terms of staff change]."

Ulbrich, who just completed his third season with Gang Green, may be fortunate enough to get a head coaching interview somewhere around the league after orchestrating the NFL's third-ranked defense (292.3 ypg) in 2023. It's the second year in a row, that the former pro linebacker presided over a Top 5 unit.

Boyer has become a mainstay in Florham Park, surviving multiple head coaching changes during an eight-year tenure. The Jets' kicking game produced top-notch results on the backs of grizzled veterans Thomas Morstead and Greg Zuerlein this season.

After only one season as the OC, Hackett has received the most criticism of New York's three coordinators. While the offense (268.6 ypg) finished next-to-last in NFL rankings, Hackett's whole plan was turned upside down when Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles four snaps into the season opener.

Last week, Saleh acknowledged the unexpected challenges that faced Hackett this season and delivered an endorsement of his offensive coordinator.

"I’ve got a lot of faith in him. When you look at, and it’s going to be hard for people to recognize it but starting with the Atlanta game, through tape, seen a lot of improvement," said Saleh. "I do feel like we’ve gotten better, especially over this last half of the season. We’ve got a chance to finish strong."

The Jets (7-10) cleaned out their lockers on Monday, one day after posting a 17-3 victory over New England in the regular season finale. It was the franchise's first head-to-head win over the Patriots since 2015.