Sunday, October 8th, Nathaniel Hackett returns to Denver for the first time since being called out by Sean Payton for having conducted the worst coaching job in NFL history.

As Hackett stepped into the coaching role for the Broncos in 2022, he encountered a challenging situation that was not entirely attributable to his coaching abilities. The team had been plagued by turmoil since their triumphant Super Bowl season in 2015. A bitter ownership dispute involving the Bowlen family had cast a shadow over the franchise, leading to a complete overhaul of the front office. This organizational transformation, compounded by the dismissals of three head coaches in quick succession, created a sense of instability within the team. Additionally, the revolving door of starting quarterbacks further exacerbated the team’s struggles.

If the instability of the Broncos Front Office wasn’t enough of a challenge, the impatience of Broncos Country had reached its peak. With a passionate fan base always demanding success, any coach stepping into the position knew they would not be given any slack to get off to a slow start. Pressure on Hackett was immense, like a simmering cauldron ready to boil over at any moment. Every decision made by this coaching staff was scrutinized, analyzed, and debated relentlessly by the passionate fans and media bringing the last seven years into Hackett’s evaluation.

These high expectations were not unfounded. The Broncos have a storied history, with multiple Super Bowl victories and a tradition of excellence. The fans had tasted success before, and never before has The team gone this long without making the playoffs.

With each passing season, the demand for results have grown stronger. The expectation for returning to the playoffs has become insatiable, like a hunger that could not be satisfied. The blame game started, with fingers pointing in every direction, searching for someone to hold accountable for the team’s shortcomings.

Yet, amidst the storm of expectations and pressure, the Broncos organization pressed forward, determined to hire coach to lead them back to being relevant. It was a delicate balancing act, finding someone who could withstand the intense scrutiny while also implementing a winning strategy on the field.

The arrival of Hackett was on the heels of reports and speculation that the team was about to bring Aaron Rodgers to the Mile High City. Some local media outlets were reporting a trade was in the works but had broken down before General Manager George Paton was able to come up with what many considered a better “Plan B” in the trade for Russell Wilson.

When Wilson made the much-anticipated move from Seattle to Denver, fans and analysts alike saw it as a turning point for the Broncos. Denver had struggled to find a reliable quarterback for years, and Wilson’s arrival was deemed the missing piece of the puzzle. However, as the Broncos underwent a complete organizational overhaul with new ownership, coaches, and a fresh quarterback, things didn’t go exactly as planned.

Hackett, a first time head coach had a specific strategy in mind that revolved around resting players during the offseason and implementing a modern training camp. This approach had proven successful during his tenure in Green Bay, but it clashed with the dynamic in Denver. The Broncos were looking for immediate results, and the overhaul meant there was limited time to ease into a new system.

As the new season kicked off, there were growing pains. The team struggled to find its rhythm, and Wilson had to adapt to the new coaching staff and offensive scheme. The pressure to perform was immense, and many wondered if the expectations placed on Hackett and Wilson were simply too high.

Ultimately, the success of Wilson depended on several factors beyond his individual performance. The cohesion of the coaching staff, the support of the organization, and the ability of the surrounding players all played crucial roles. None of this existed for Hackett.

Hackett did not have time to avoid having his system play out. Mistakes were made in not building the chemistry and alignment with the Broncos from day one in training camp. The pre-snap errors and poor play from Wilson resulted in what was considered to be a bad coaching job.

Hackett absolutely deserved blame for Denver having a horrible season. His decisions as a coach, both tactical and strategic, were questionable at best. The lack of proper game plans, ineffective player rotations, and failure to adapt to the opponents’ strategies all contributed to the team’s downfall. Additionally, his inability to provide sufficient motivation and guidance for the players further exacerbated the issues on the field.

However, it is important to note that Hackett alone should not shoulder the entire blame. The Broncos organization as a whole lacked stability throughout the season. Constant changes in management, coaching staff, and player personnel created a chaotic environment that hindered any chances of success.

Without a solid foundation and a clear direction, even the most talented and dedicated players can struggle to perform at their best. The lack of stability within the Broncos organization trickled down to the players, leading to discord and disarray on the field. When there is no consistency in leadership and a lack of clear-cut goals, it becomes difficult for the team to find their footing and establish a winning culture.

While Hackett’s performances as a coach were certainly underwhelming, it is crucial to acknowledge the broader organizational issues that contributed to Denver’s disappointing season. Addressing these underlying problems and establishing stability moving forward will be key to the team’s future success.