Broncos officially announce Nathaniel Hackett as head coach

The Broncos are the first domino to fall among NFL head coaching openings. Denver has announced their hiring former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their next head coach.

OFFICIAL: We’ve agreed to terms with Nathaniel Hackett to be our next head coach. 😎

📰 » https://t.co/JLNtu4HRHy pic.twitter.com/fsadmbJAeP

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 27, 2022

Originally, the Broncos planned to interview more candidates. However, according to Mike Klis of 9News, Hackett impressed them so much they didn’t want him to leave the building.

“Sources: Paton started the week with plan to have 2nd interviews w/Hackett, Quinn, O’Connell,” revealed Klis. “But Hackett so impressed Paton and many others inside Broncos HQ Paton regrouped, decided to get his guy. After 11 interviews in 8 cities, Broncos first team to hire new head coach.”

Since Gary Kubiak left the Broncos, Denver has chosen two separate defensive coaches to lead their team. First, Vance Joseph took over the reigns in 2017, going 11-21 in two seasons. Then, Vic Fangio got his chance — winning 19 games in three seasons before being let go.

In recent seasons, it’s been the Broncos offense that’s held the team back. Additionally, their inability to find their quarterback of the future has hurt the team. Many experts believe the team should hire an offensive coach, and Hackett fits the bill.

Now, he gets his shot. Nathaniel Hackett will be the coach of the Denver Broncos.

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Furthermore, Hackett has cut his teeth at multiple locations around the NFL. However, he’s never had the opportunity to be the leader of a franchise — until now.

First, he began his career as an NFL coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Back in 2006, Hackett was hired as an offensive quality control coach with the franchise.

Then, his first chance to be an offensive coordinator took place when he returned to college, taking the job with Syracuse. Afterwards, Doug Marrone brought him to the pros when he took the Buffalo Bills job — becoming an NFL offensive coordinator in 2013.

After a stint as the offensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hackett was hired by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. Since, he’s helped cultivate their offense into one of the league’s top units.

Now, Hackett will be tasked with rebuilding a Broncos offense that has sputtered since the days of Peyton Manning. On the horizon could be a reunion with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has stated his respect for Hackett in the past.

Time will tell how Nathaniel Hackett rebuilds the Broncos, but the coach has paid his dues. Finally getting a chance to be an NFL head coach after the time he’s put in, it’s more than a well-earned shot.