Broncos coach reveals how traumatic Aaron Rodgers experience caused Nathaniel Hackett to secede power to Russell Wilson
Could Aaron Rodgers have been the reason Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson had an awful season together last year in Denver?
The Broncos signed Hackett as their head coach to replace Vic Fangio after the former's few successful seasons in Green Bay as offensive coordinator. During Hackett's time in Denver, quarterback Russell Wilson had a terrible season after being acquired by the team and getting a lucrative contract extension.
The Denver Broncos got rid of head coach Nathaniel Hackett one season after starting the 2022-2023 season 4-11.
We have parted ways with Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett.
A statement from Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner: https://t.co/1tWMjHv6em
Reports surfaced recently stating that Wilson was given too much influence and control last season. This was partially due to Hackett's traumatizing time in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers.
According to an article posted by ProFootballTalk, Hackett had a terrible time in Green Bay due to Rodgers shooting down any new ideas or concepts the offensive coordinator had.
According to ProFootballTalk:
"That year, Hackett arrived as offensive coordinator, working with new coach Matt LaFleur. Per the report, LaFleur would 'sometimes present a new concept or play in an offensive meeting,' and Rodgers would then 'shoot it down.' Hackett didn’t want to go through that same experience again, per the report.
“'I don’t want to do that again,' Hackett said, an unnamed Broncos assistant coach told TheAthletic.com. 'I want this transition to be as easy and fluid and quick as possible.'"
The article continued by saying that Hackett may have enabled Wilson too much:
"The problem may have been that it was too easy for Wilson.
“'He had too much influence,' another coach told TheAthletic.com. 'And it was mainly based on what Hackett allowed him to influence.'"
Experience with Aaron Rodgers reportedly influenced Nathaniel Hackett's approach to Russell Wilson. wp.me/pbBqYq-cxH6
Sean Payton will take over as Russell Wilson's new head coach in Denver
The Denver Broncos acquired Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints this off-season. Denver traded a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick in exchange for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick from the Saints.
Payton took last season off and worked for Fox Sports as a part-time analyst. The team was aggressive in ensuring they found the right coach and that Wilson would find success in the future.
Wilson will have much less control under Payton, and it will be interesting to see how the Broncos' season turns out.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ProFootballTalk, The Athletic, Nathaniel Hackett, and H/T Sportskeeda.