Broncos fire Nathaniel Hackett: First-year coach dismissed after ugly Christmas Day defeat

The Denver Broncos fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday.league sources said CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson What the Broncos were trying to “blow up”. That process, it seems, begins with parting ways with Hackett.

The move comes after the Broncos embarrassed the Los Angeles Rams at 51-14 on Christmas. Russell Wilson threw three interceptions, but the Denver defense failed to force a single Rams punt. There was also a skirmish on the Broncos sideline during the game, when pass rusher Randy Gregory appeared to slap Rams offensive guard Odey Abousi after the final whistle. Sunday was an absolute disaster for Denver, putting the final nail in Coach Hackett’s coffin.

Per ESPN, Broncos senior assistant Jerry Rosberg will take over as interim head coach. He was hired by the franchise to help with Hackett’s clock management strategy earlier this season, and has served as a special teams coordinator for several other NFL teams in the past.

Hackett went 4-11 in 15 games as head coach of the Broncos.Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner issued this statement announced the decision.

“On behalf of our ownership and organization, I would like to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. I wish him and his family the best of luck in the future.

“After extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we have determined that the new direction is ultimately in the best interest of the Broncos. You can now begin your search for a new head coach.

“We recognize and appreciate the championship history of this organization. We understand that we have not lived up to its standards. Our fans deserve better.”

“Going forward, we will carefully assess all aspects of football operations and make any necessary changes to restore the winning tradition of this franchise.

“With the support of the Ownership Group and George, who I trust as General Manager, I will lead the search for a head coach. We will continue to focus on playing competitive football in a positive way.”

According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina AndersonSome of the early names being discussed for the Broncos head coach vacancies include Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Miami Dolphins passing game coordinator Darrell Bevel, and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coach. They include coordinator Eric Biniemy, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and the San Francisco 49ers. defensive coordinator Demeko Lyons and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.

The Broncos were the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season. Despite the Green Bay Packers’ previous colorful offensive coordinator hire and the addition of Wilson, the Broncos struggled from the starting gate and things never got better.

Denver’s disappointment began in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, where Wilson lost to his former team in prime time. Down one point with just seconds left in the fourth quarter, Hackett pulled out the recently extended quarterback. 5. Choose to attempt a field goal would have made Lumenfield history instead. Hackett later admitted his choice was wrong, but his decision-making problems continued into the next week.

Hackett’s first career win against the Houston Texans was not enjoyed as a 4th down problem once again plagued the Broncos. In one particular instance in enemy territory, the offense accidentally ran out his clock when he played four shorts and the Broncos were knocked out of the field on his goal range. It was Denver’s home opener, and fans were jokingly counting down the play clock to help the offense.

Even in Denver’s second win of the season against the San Francisco 49ers, the offense was relentlessly booed. The Broncos then lost to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Indianapolis Colts without Jonathan Taylor at home, the Los Angeles Chargers in another overtime, and the New York Jets at home. Denver picked up a win over Jacksonville his Jaguars in London, but then went on a five-game losing streak. Hackett’s last win as head coach came against the Arizona Cardinals in the backup quarterback battle in Week 15.

We don’t see first-year head coaches get fired too often, but it really happensLast year, Jaguars’ Urban Mayer lost his job as Jaguars head coach midseason due to issues unrelated to playing on the field, while the Texans also let go of David Curry. Despite a record of 4-13. The last first-year head coach to be fired before last season was Steve Wilkes of the Cardinals in 2018.