The Green Bay Packers have one of the best offenses in the NFL. Much of that has to do with the scheme developed by head coach Matt LaFleur. However, Nathaniel Hackett, the Packers’ offensive coordinator, is an excellent coach in his own right. His offensive guidance once guided the Jacksonville Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game. Now, with the Packers finished with 13 wins for the third straight seasons, Nathaniel Hackett is starting to get contacted by other teams regarding their head coaching vacancies. So far, three teams have requested the chance to interview Hackett. Here, we rank these jobs for best fit and most likely destination for the Packers offensive coordinator.
#3- The Chicago Bears
One of the best things about being a Green Bay Packers fan is watching how poorly the rival Chicago Bears are run. Chicago has just fired their general manger and head coach. Now, they are leaving their search for candidates up to Bill Polian.
As the Bears begin their search, one of the people they have requested to interview is Nathaniel Hackett. It seems odd that an organization would not hire a general manager first. Keep in mind, though, this is the Chicago Bears we are talking about. They do already have former Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine on staff as an adviser.
The likelihood of Nathaniel Hackett going to Chicago is not great. For one, we do not even know if the Packers will, or already have, granted the Bears’ request to interview Hackett. Even without considering these things, if Hackett had his choice of where to coach, Chicago is not the best position for him. While there is a young stud quarterback and some nice pieces, the Bears’ offensive line is a few years from being competitive. Throw in the chaos that is the Chicago front office, and this may not be the best fit for any head coaching candidate.
#2- The Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars would be a sort of homecoming for Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett served as the Jaguars’ quarterbacks coach from 2015-16. He was also the team’s offensive coordinator from 2016-18. As mentioned, his offense in Jacksonville was good enough to help them earn a berth in the AFC Championship Game in 2017.
Unlike the Chicago Bears, the Packers have already granted the Jaguars permission to interview Nathaniel Hackett. The position is an intriguing one in that no candidate can possibly do worse than Urban Meyer. Meyer infamously could not even make it through his first and only season as a NFL head coach. It is also intriguing due to the plethora of young talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Trevor Lawrence and James Robinson are two good young building blocks that an offensive guru like Hackett can turn into stars.
The question, of course, is whether or not Hackett would go to Jacksonville after he was unceremoniously fired and blamed for the team’s offensive woes in 2018. There is also the question of Jacksonville’s ownership, who fans ridiculed by dressing up as clowns in the team’s regular season finale. Of course, if it is the only job he is offered, Hackett may take it.
#1- The Denver Broncos
Perhaps the team that makes the most sense for Nathaniel Hackett, or any other candidate, is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos fired Vic Fangio after the team finished 7-10. What makes this option a great one for a guy like Nathaniel Hackett, an offensive guru, is that the Broncos already have an excellent defense.
Despite their losing record, the Broncos had the third best scoring defense in the NFL. They allowed just 18.9 points per game. Only the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots were better. If Hackett can improve the offense, even just a little bit, the Broncos can become a competitive team in the postseason. The only downside to the job, though, is a lack of a good franchise quarterback. However, if Hackett were to get the job, perhaps the Broncos would be able to swing a trade for Jordan Love (or Aaron Rodgers, should he request a trade).
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherAdams14 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
