The Denver Broncos have turned the page on a challenging chapter, moving past the brief Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson era. Hackett, who came to Denver after a successful run with the Green Bay Packers, was initially seen as a potential conduit for bringing Aaron Rodgers to the Mile High City.
When that plan fell through, the Broncos pivoted to Russell Wilson, a decision that unfortunately didn't pan out as hoped. Wilson's performance was on the decline, and Hackett's tenure was short-lived, marking one of the more forgettable coaching stints in recent memory.
Interestingly, Hackett has managed to land on his feet as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, joining forces with first-year head coach Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals, who were among the last to fill their head coaching vacancy, present a challenging environment, arguably one of the toughest in the league. In a recent media session, LaFleur expressed strong support for Hackett, which might bring a wry smile to Broncos fans.
LaFleur's endorsement of Hackett was clear: “He’s been very successful and is very highly thought of, especially in our profession. I wanted him and nobody else.
And he’s here.” This statement suggests LaFleur’s confidence in Hackett’s abilities, despite the mixed results of his recent roles.
Before joining the Cardinals, Hackett had a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins as a quarterbacks coach. His journey since leaving the Broncos in 2022 has seen him serve as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets and a defensive analyst for the Packers. However, his 4-11 record as a head coach in Denver casts a long shadow, making a second head coaching opportunity seem unlikely for now.
The Cardinals face an uphill battle this season. With an uncertain quarterback situation and competing in a fiercely competitive division, 2026 could be a tough year.
While Hackett has proven his capability to coach in the NFL, his track record as a play-caller and head coach leaves much to be desired. Yet, the wealth of experience he has accumulated might eventually serve him well in his coaching journey.