Within the vernacular of Jets fans’ vocabulary, few words encompass the 2023 season quite like the word unfortunate. Losing Aaron Rodgers in only four snaps into his season? Unfortunate. Watching the offense under Zach Wilson? Unfortunate. Alijah Vera-Tucker’s season ending once again with an injury in Denver? Unfortunate. However, a glimmer of hope emerged thanks to the Dolphins and Bills‘ early playoff exits this season. Along with the Patriots starting a new chapter under Jarrod Mayo, they have an opportunity to win the AFC East next year. However, to get there, they have to re-evaluate the offensive coaching staff. Nathaniel Hackett needs more advisement as the Jets search for coaching help on offense. Fortunately for them, there are a few names available who can really help make life easier for Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and more importantly, Robert Saleh.
Three Coaches Who Can Help the Jets Offense
After the injury to Aaron Rodgers last year, the Jets’ playoff chances took a massive hit. The success of the Bills and Dolphins put New York firmly behind the eight-ball this year after suffering a five-game losing streak from November to early December. While there was some course correction to finish the season, the offense has to take a step forward with a healthy Rodgers for New York to have any chance of ending their 12-year playoff drought. It’s hard to see the offense doing a complete 180 while Hackett, often criticized offensive line coach Keith Carter, and passing game coordinator Ken Downing remain. Yet, that doesn’t mean there isn’t support that can help this staff.
Duce Staley
While the New York Jets offense has been a disaster, the Carolina Panthers haven’t lit the world on fire either. After the in-season firing of head coach Frank Reich, Carolina is looking for a new voice to help the development of Bryce Young. While the offense struggled, they had a lot of coaches who were looked at as future head coach candidates. One of those names is running backs coach Duce Staley.
Before his first season in Carolina, Duce Staley was regarded as one of the best running back coaches in the league. Staley played a large role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run thanks to his work in the running game and then helping to develop Miles Sanders. His time in Detroit also helped the Lions immensely, especially for Jamaal Williams, who broke Barry Sanders’s single-season rushing touchdown record in 2022. Imagine what he can bring to the table to help Breece Hall‘s potential.
Update: Duce Staley has been hired as the new running backs coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Luke Getsy
This is a controversial one. However, when you recognize the connection between Getsy and Rodgers, you can see what the intention is. Following a lackluster tenure as the Bears offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy is back on the market. Getsy had two tenures with the Green Bay Packers within the decade. His first go around watched him elevate from a quality control coach before being promoted to the team’s wide receiver coach. He returned in 2019 under Matt LaFleur as the quarterback’s coach while Hackett was offensive coordinator. In those two seasons with Getsy, Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs. Getsy’s experience can be a solid buffer between Hackett and Rodgers to hopefully lead to unison on offense.
Alex Van Pelt
Another blast from Aaron Rodgers’ past. Alex Van Pelt is entering his 18th season in the National Football League. He’s most recently spent the past three seasons in Cleveland as the Browns offensive coordinator. He’s also someone who served as QB coach for multiple franchises, including Green Bay. Van Pelt last worked with Rodgers from 2014-2017, where the quarterback threw for over 125 touchdown passes and his second MVP. Van Pelt can help relieve some of the responsibilities from Hackett. In addition, should Hackett continue to falter, Van Pelt is an immediate in-house option to replace him. Continuity like this can help New York if Hackett continues to miss expectations.
Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilias] – USA Today Sports
