1. Nathaniel Hackett, OC, Packers
George Paton emphasized in his post-season press conference that the Denver Broncos’ next head coach is going to need leadership qualities. They are going to need to empower and motivate. They need to — as Paton put it — “break monotony”.
Paton is looking for someone to come in and inspire this Broncos team and there may not be a better candidate for that job than Nathaniel Hackett of the Green Bay Packers.
Bordering on over-the-top, Hackett is a high-energy coach whose involvement with the Packers’ offense is substantial even though he isn’t the one calling the plays.
The Packers’ offense is run by a collaborative effort between head coach Matt LaFleur, Hackett, and passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy, another of the Broncos’ head coach candidates.
Hackett has really made an impression through the years, has been a coach for two decades, is in his early 40s, and would fit exactly what the Broncos need right now which is the polar opposite of Vic Fangio, at least offensively.
Hackett believes strongly in player development, which is a non-negotiable for George Paton. He coaches every player like a starter and puts together extremely detailed reports to ensure his players’ success on a weekly basis.
Even if you don’t factor in all of the Broncos-Aaron Rodgers rumors, this hire would make the most sense for Denver and where they are at right now, which is in a position to either trade for, sign, or draft a quarterback.
Hiring a defensive specialist as the head coach would limit this team to needing a top-flight veteran at the position, and believe it or not, there is a possibility the Broncos won’t be able to strike a trade for Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
Hackett could come in and really turn this program around with his infectious energy.