NFL concerns over league spending on fired coaches may factor into Broncos' Nathaniel Hackett decision

"Hundreds of millions of dollars have been squandered by teams that may need to act less hastily. NFL officials went so far as to compose spreadsheets specific to each team about the employees they fired and costs incurred by the team," Schefter reported. 

The Broncos (3-10) have fired two head coaches over the past five seasons, Vance Joseph in 2018 and Vic Fangio in 2021.

Per Denver sportswriter Woody Paige, Denver is paying Fangio the remaining $5 million left on his contract in 2022. 

If Denver fires Hackett, it will owe him $12 million left on his four-year contract until he finds another job. 

Aside from concerns over cost, it's unclear if Denver could find a better option on the coaching carousel. Let alone one who clamors for the job.  

"Really, none of the good coaching candidates want that job," a scouting director told NFL insider Matt Lombardo.

The circumstances may force the Broncos to hold on to Hackett for one more season.