GLENDALE – At Tuesday’s introductory press conference, new Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur stated that building his staff will be a process. However, only a day later the 38-year-old finds his offensive coordinator in former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The choice is in an interesting one because of the lack of success for Hackett in his latest stops, but has over a decade of experience at OC.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!LaFleur has made it clear that he will be the one calling plays for the Cardinals, so having Hackett seems to be a hire to have an experienced coach in the building.
Oct 8, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Cardinals hire Hackett for OC:
The 46-year-old hasn’t coached since 2024 as the New York Jets offensive coordinator. He went to New York after going 4-11 as the head coach of the Broncos and wanting to pair back up with his quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two have history that dates back to three seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2021.
When in Green Bay, Hackett and the offense went 15th, 1st and 10th in points, which helped Rodgers win two MVPs during that span. Three straight seasons of 13 wins gifted him the Broncos head coaching gig, which was the complete opposite for him. Denver had the worse scoring offense in the NFL under Hackett, who was calling the plays, which caused him to be fired after Week 16.
Dec 11, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett during the third quarter Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ironically, the Jets and LaFleur agreed to part ways in January of 2023, which allowed for Hackett to swoop in and take his job and be back with Rodgers. The happy reunion didn’t last long, as Rodgers tore his Achilles on the second snap of the season. Hackett with Zach Wilson under center had the 29th scoring offense, when Rodgers returned the following season it improved to 24th.
The franchise cleaned house following 2024, Hackett and Rodgers was gone. After back-to-back failed spots at New York and Denver, Hackett was seemingly blackballed from the NFL because of his poor results.
Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
For the first eight years as an offensive coordinator, Hackett has coached a top 10 scoring offense three times and has garnered great regular season success early in his career. LaFleur going with Hackett is a bold choice for the young coach. The Cardinals coach seem ready for a rehabilitation process with the former Jets OC.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
