Nathaniel Hackett lands unexpected new coaching job

Former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett has landed a new job in the NFL, but his role is a bit different than most would expect.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Thursday that Hackett has rejoined LaFleur’s staff as a defensive analyst. LaFleur said Hackett has worked with the linebackers thus far.

Hackett has coached at both the collegiate and pro levels over the past two decades, and all of his roles prior to this point had been on the offensive side of the ball. He was previously the offensive coordinator under LaFleur in Green Bay from 2019-2021.

Hackett left Green Bay in 2022 to become the head coach of the Broncos but was fired in his first season after going 4-11. He then reunited with Aaron Rodgers by becoming the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.

LaFleur feels Hackett can provide value by giving Green Bay’s defense an offensive-minded perspective.

Bill Belichick was criticized toward the end of his tenure with the New England Patriots for hiring assistants in roles with which they had no prior experience. That practice has become more common in recent years, however, and LaFleur is giving it a shot with Hackett.