Jets should fire Nathaniel Hackett for embattled ex-coach, host says
A two-step remedy exists for the New York Jets to fix their offensive ills if they want to be bold and “selfish,” according to one fan who also hosts a talk show during the week.
First, fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Then, hire Jon Gruden.
Craig Carton explained his rationale Wednesday on his FS1 show, and it starts with Gruden being from the Green Bay tree, which would theoretically, appease Aaron Rodgers in a way.
Jon Gruden is one of the great offensive minds of the last 25 years in this sport,” Carton said. “He’s a quarterback guru. He’s also won a Super Bowl. Jon Gruden comes to New York, and obviously, career-wise, he needs it. He may never coach ever again, and I’m telling you Jon Gruden, came from Green Bay and the Mike Holmgren tree. Jon Gruden in New York: a major success.”
Let’s address the first major issue: Gruden has not coached since resigning from the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2021 season following a New York Times report about emails he sent before his hiring that were racist, homophobic and misogynistic. Gruden is currently in a legal battle with the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell over a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to force Gruden to resign by leaking the emails. The hearing with the Nevada Supreme Court is scheduled for Jan. 10, more than two years after Gruden filed the lawsuit. It will determine whether the case should go to arbitration, per Pro Football Talk.
The basis of Carton’s reasoning is also flawed: Outside of a 2002 championship season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gruden has not had a lot of coaching success with a career 117-112 record and five playoff berths in 15 seasons. The offenses he has led from his time as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator through his coaching stop with the Raiders have also had mixed results. In 18 years, he has had a top 10 offense six times and he has finished top 10 in points four times. Guru?
“We watched Jon Gruden in multiple cities and he’s sucked. Why would you bring him to New York?” FS1 panelist and former NFL guard Willie Colon said.
The Jets may be in store for changes next season, regardless, as they are 5-9 and have not reached the playoffs since 2010. Their offense has taken the brunt of criticism, and rightfully so: It ranks 30th in points and 32nd in yards, thanks in large part to subpar play from quarterback Zach Wilson, their No. 2 pick from the 2021 draft who was thrust back into the starting role when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon four snaps into the season.
