Denver Broncos fire head coach Nathaniel Hackett

The Denver Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Hackett was in the middle of his first year as Broncos head coach after coming over from the Green Bay Packers.

The Broncos fell to 4-11 on the season with a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day. Coupled with the so-far failed addition of former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, it never got going this season.

The Broncos released a statement following the move.

“On behalf of our ownership and organization, I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos,” owner Greg Penner said. “We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future. Following extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.

“We recognize and appreciate this organization’s championship history, and we understand we have not met that standard. Our fans deserve much better, and I can’t say enough about their loyalty during such a challenging stretch for our team. Moving forward, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of our football operations and make whatever changes are necessary to restore this franchise’s winning tradition.

“I will lead our head coaching search with support from our ownership group and George, whom I have confidence in as our general manager. As we begin the process of selecting our next head coach, we remain focused on playing competitive football to finish the season on a positive note.”

Ian Rapoport reported on the Pat McAfee Show that the game against the Rams was the most “disorganized” he’s seen a football team in a loss.

Wilson is in the midst of the worst season of his professional career. He has 3,019 yards, 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 60.1% completion percentage.

The Broncos conclude the regular season at the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday and home against the Los Angeles Chargers Jan. 8.