Denver Broncos hire Nathaniel Hackett as Head Coach
The Denver Broncos have found their next coach who will be the 18th coach in team history to lead the franchise.
Today, the Denver Broncos decided to hire former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as the head coach of the franchise. Denver could have chosen to go down the defensive route with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn or Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Hackett, like Quinn, brings high energy, relatability, and charisma that compares favorably with him as a leader. It’s unclear if Hackett is a CEO-type coach, but he fits the personality of what the Broncos have prioritized. If general manager George Paton wants a coach with a representation of leadership, Hackett fits the bill.
On the surface, Hackett might give Denver Broncos fans Adam Gase PTSD. From everything seen and read regarding the coach from Green Bay he thoroughly enjoys building the confidence in his players and proving the best for them offensively. The biggest deterrent and the reason for Gase PTSD is Hackett’s experience with Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sure, Aaron Rodgers was Hackett’s quarterback in Green Bay, but did you know Hackett was offensive coordinator for Jacksonville when Blake Bortles went to the AFC Championship game and played decent against the New England Patriots?
Hackett also spent time under Mike Pettine with the Buffalo Bills as offensive coordinator from 2013-2014. Even without Rodgers, he has had the OC label throughout his resume since 2013.
The offensive side of the ball is the glaring weakness for this Denver Broncos team and particularly one position. Denver has been missing their quarterback since Peyton Manning left for retirement. Hackett is an attraction for either a draft prospect, veteran route, or star quarterback.
Some are already linking Hackett and Aaron Rodgers together in Denver. Rodgers rumors to Denver have started since last season and with the significant loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round, connections have begun again.
Even without Rodgers or someone else, Hackett will have a team filled with playmakers dying to be unleashed. The wide receiver corps may not be as great as the Cincinnati Bengals, but it could be close if used properly. That’s not all. From the tight end position to running back, the skill group should cause Hackett to drool.
Regardless of whether it is an offensive or defensive staff, it is still predicated on the rest of his staff. Hackett having a strong offensive background is a bonus with an offensive coordinator vision.
To keep the continuity of the Denver Broncos defense or regime potentially, he would have to nail his defensive coordinator. Even without Fangio, there are some decent candidates for the Broncos to choose from if Hackett has a preference. From Mike Zimmer to former Broncos DC Don “Wink” Martindale, the crop seems deep at defensive coordinator.
The defensive coordinator is not the only position, but Hackett keeping staff intact from the Fangio era would be wise in certain areas. Some might even be worth consideration for a promotion depending on if he does not go the vet coordinator route.
Hackett solves a huge need to bolster the offensive side of the ball. This will be the first time Denver has operated on that side since Gary Kubiak in 2015-16. Vance Joseph has a quarterback background but his experience ranged more on the defensive side. Hackett as a true CEO-type head coach would be instilled from staff to product on the field.
Though his personality style should not be an issue; however, sometimes people do change with more power. It’s about remaining who you are no matter the responsibility.