Nathaniel Hackett Reportedly in the Mix for Cardinals OC Role-Yes, Really
The NFL has a funny way of recycling its storylines. Just when you think a chapter is closed, it finds a way to sneak back into the script. And in this case, it’s Nathaniel Hackett-yes, that Nathaniel Hackett-who’s reportedly back in the offensive coordinator conversation, this time in Arizona.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Hackett is “among the early possibilities” for the Cardinals’ vacant OC position. That news alone might raise some eyebrows, but the context makes it even more surreal: the Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur-another former Jets offensive coordinator-as their new head coach.
If that name rings a bell, it should. Hackett was the guy brought in to replace LaFleur in New York after the 2022 season, when LaFleur was let go.
Now, three years later, LaFleur might be the one extending an olive branch to the man who followed him out the Jets’ door.
Only in the NFL.
From Jets Fallout to a Possible Reunion
Hackett’s recent résumé doesn’t exactly scream “top OC candidate.” After parting ways with the Jets following the 2024 season, he spent 2025 as a defensive analyst with the Green Bay Packers under Matt LaFleur-Mike’s brother. That connection may explain why his name is being floated in Arizona, but it doesn’t make the potential move any less surprising.
What complicates things even further is that Hackett just accepted a job as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins-less than a week ago. That’s not even enough time to unpack a box, let alone settle into a new coaching role. If he were to pivot and take the Cardinals’ OC job, it would be a lightning-fast turnaround, even by NFL standards.
But let’s be honest: if an offensive coordinator opportunity is really on the table, Hackett would be hard-pressed to say no. His stock has taken a hit in recent years, and chances like this don’t come around often for coaches trying to rebuild their reputations.
Can the Cardinals Do Better?
That’s the big question. Mike LaFleur is stepping into his first head coaching role, and the offensive coordinator hire will be one of his most important decisions. Is Hackett really the best option available?
It’s fair to wonder. His stint with the Jets in 2024 was, charitably, forgettable.
The offense sputtered, creativity was lacking, and Hackett often looked like a bystander rather than a driver of the unit. The idea of bringing him in to lead an offense again-especially under the coach he once replaced-feels like a full-circle moment that might not be worth completing.
Yet, here we are. The NFL is a league built on relationships, and Hackett’s ties to the LaFleur family clearly still hold weight. Whether that’s enough to land him another OC gig remains to be seen, but it’s a storyline that’s hard to ignore.
The Jets’ Shadow Looms Large
Somehow, this all leads back to the Jets. Whether it’s personnel moves, coaching hires, or bizarre coincidences, the gravitational pull of that franchise continues to shape the league in unexpected ways. Hackett potentially reuniting with a LaFleur-this time in Arizona-would be just the latest example.
It’s not official yet, and a lot can change quickly in coaching circles. But if Hackett does land the job, it’ll be another reminder that in the NFL, past connections often matter more than recent results. And in the end, no matter how far you try to run from the Jets, they always seem to find a way back into the picture.