The Arizona Cardinals are making headlines with a surprising move: they’ve hired Nathaniel Hackett as their new offensive coordinator under head coach Mike LaFleur. That’s right-two former New York Jets offensive coordinators are now teaming up in the desert. It’s an unexpected reunion that adds another layer of intrigue to what’s shaping up to be a fascinating 2026 NFL season.
For the Jets, this development is more than just a quirky coaching connection-it’s personal. Their 2026 schedule is already packed with familiar faces and former allies turned opponents, and now they’ll be heading to Arizona to face off against not one, but two former play-callers who once tried to steer the Jets' offense.
And that’s just the beginning.
Jets’ 2026 Schedule: A Tour of Familiar Territory
While the exact dates and times haven’t been locked in yet, the Jets know who they’ll be lining up against next season-and the list reads like a reunion tour with a twist of revenge.
First up, that trip to Arizona. With LaFleur and Hackett now calling the shots for the Cardinals, there’s a clear narrative brewing. And depending on how the offseason shakes out-especially if the Jets make a move for Cardinals quarterbacks Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett-this could turn into a high-stakes chess match between former colleagues and current competitors.
Then there’s the showdown in Nashville. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh will be leading the Tennessee Titans, joined by Brian Daboll, another coach with New York ties, now serving as his offensive coordinator.
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets had its ups and downs, but his first career win came against these same Titans back in 2021-a gritty 27-24 overtime battle that gave Jets fans a rare early-season thrill. Now, he’ll be looking to flip the script and get his first win with Tennessee against his old squad.
And let’s not forget the trip to Detroit, where the Jets will face off against the Lions and their head coach Dan Campbell. This matchup carries extra weight for the Jets' current defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, who will be squaring off against Campbell for the first time as a head coach. Glenn, a former Lions assistant, knows the Motor City well, and this game could be a defining moment in his evolution as a leader on the sideline.
Division Matchups Carry Extra Heat
The AFC East isn’t taking a back seat in the drama department, either. After going 0-6 in divisional play last season, every matchup against the Patriots, Bills, and Dolphins feels like a chance for redemption. These aren’t just rivalry games-they’re measuring sticks for a Jets team that’s trying to claw its way back into relevance.
Each of these contests will be loaded with emotion, especially given how close some of those losses were last year. The Jets have talent. What they need now is consistency-and a few wins against their most familiar foes would go a long way toward re-establishing their footing in the division.
Week 1 Prediction? All Signs Point to Nashville
While nothing’s official yet, don’t be surprised if the Jets open their 2026 campaign in Tennessee. The NFL schedule makers have a history of leaning into the drama, and this matchup has all the ingredients: a former head coach looking for payback, a revamped Jets squad trying to start fresh, and a fan base hungry for a statement win.
It wouldn’t be the first time the league leaned into a juicy narrative. In 2025, even before Aaron Rodgers officially joined the Steelers, the Jets were already penciled in for a season-opening clash against Pittsburgh.
And back in 2021, the Jets kicked off their season against Sam Darnold and the Panthers-just months after trading the former No. 3 overall pick. That one didn’t go New York’s way, with Darnold and Carolina pulling out a 19-14 win.
So if history is any guide, buckle up. The Jets’ 2026 season is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of reunions, rivalries, and redemption arcs. Whether they rise to the occasion or get caught in the crossfire of their own past remains to be seen-but one thing’s for sure: it won’t be boring.