"You don't want that" - NFL analyst explains what Broncos must do to avoid another Nathaniel Hackett blunder
Most agree that the Denver Broncos hired Nathaniel Hackett because he was different from his predecessor Vic Fangio in nearly every considerable way. Fangio was defensive-minded, old-school, and separated work from play. Hackett was offensive-minded, new-school, and mixed jokes and fun with winning. With both head coaches now out the door, pundits are doing a post-mortem on the decision.
Speaking on Kyle Brandt's Basement, NFL analyst Kyle Brandt explained why the team's decision was a cautionary tale:
"Beware the funny, congenial coach. I celebrate personalities in the league more than any other... I always say be careful of the big personality head coach, because a lot of times you worry that their personality is the number one reason they got hired..."
I will always remember the Nathaniel Hackett tenure for Broncos fans having to countdown the play clock like it was the last shot of the NBA finals to help Denver avoid another delay of game. https://t.co/c3WHvqyQmW
He continued, reminding fans why the Broncos had hired him in the first place:
"George Paton, the GM for the Broncos, said from the start, 'the more we talked with Nathaniel, the more we realized he was the right leader for the Denver Broncos and really the perfect choice to reboot this organization... His enthusiasm is infectious.'"
Lastly, he cautioned against hiring someone just because he was different:
"If your team hires a coach and one of their first justifications for doing it is that he is going to be a breath of fresh air, look out. You don't want that."
Do you think the Broncos will ever admit they hired Nathaniel Hackett because they thought they were going to get Aaron Rodgers and then just kinda had to live with it
Denver Broncos HC Nathaniel Hackett's tenure ranks as the shortest since the Peyton Manning era
Pundits, fans, and commentators have been quick to talk about the team's quarterback carousel since they won the Super Bowl in 2015. However, not many have talked about the team's troubles at head coach since that year. Since Gary Kubiak left the team after the 2016 season, the team has had three bona fide head coaches.
Without their head coach, will the Broncos win against Kansas City this weekend?
Putting aside short-term substitutions, Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio, and Nathaniel Hackett were chosen to lead the team. Joseph led the team in 2017 and many believe he barely survived into year two. However, he coached both seasons in their entirety en route to an 11-21 record. Joseph posted a -93 point differential in his first season and a -20 differential in his second season.
In 2019, Vic Fangio took over for the team, posting a 19-30 record. In his first year, he posted a -34 differential. For the next two years, he posted a -123 and a +13 differential respectively. Hackett posted a -72 differential in 15 games. Joseph and Fangio were fired at the end of the season. Hackett was fired the day after Christmas.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Kyle Brandt's Basement and H/T Sportskeeda.