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Andrew Brandt Decodes Enticing Aaron Rodgers Effect on Nathaniel Hackett and Broncos Journey That Lasted Just 334 Days

Published 12/27/2022, 1:00 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Denver Broncos‘ playoff hopes have been shattered. The franchise suffered a massive blowback in its campaign, and there is no hope that it will bounce back. The optimism did not survive, as the franchise sacked Nathaniel Hackett after 15 games. While many saw it coming, a sports media insider saw an Aaron Rodgers parallel in getting Hackett as the franchise’s head coach.

Following some tectonic changes, many predicted that the Broncos would stand out this season. The additions of Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson increased the excitement to an all-time high. But the franchise has had some of its worst seasons so far. But there seems to be a unique effect that doomed the HC’s journey, which is related to the quarterback.

Fired Broncos HC’s arrival had an Aaron Rodgers connection

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According to Andrew Brandt, “Broncos can deny it, but sure seemed like Hackett was hired to lure Aaron Rodgers. It was all downhill after not getting him and pivoting to Wilson. And here we are.”

During the offseason, there were rumors about Aaron Rodgers potentially touching upon the free agency. Given the fact that A-Rod had immense success with Nathaniel Hackett, many believe the franchise recruited Hackett as a curtain-raiser to make trades for Rodgers. But he changed his mind about leaving Green Bay. As a result, the Broncos shifted their focus to The Asterisk.

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After the firing of Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos took no time to introduce his replacement. The Orange Crush appointed Super Bowl XLVII Champion Jerry Rosburg as the next interim HC. He would coach them for the last two games of the season.

Additionally, Hackett’s firing placed him in a small yet distinct club of head coaches.

Nathaniel Hackett joins the coaching club that didn’t complete their first year

The Broncos Country saw the termination of Nathaniel Hackett as a no-brainer. Despite having a future Hall of Famer and monumental changes, Denver did not dominate. With Hackett’s sacking, he joined a club of coaches who failed to complete their first year on the team.

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Only four coaches had failed to complete their first seasons on the job since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Nathaniel Hackett has joined the club, bringing the total to five. Others include Jets HC Lou Holtz in 1976, Niners head coach Pete McCulley in 1978, Falcons’ Bobby Petrino in 2007, and Jags’ Urban Meyer in 2021.

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It is yet to see where would Hackett land next.

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Written by:

Pavitra Shome

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Pavitra Shome is an NFL author at EssentiallySports. He began writing while working for an online news portal and holds a Master's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Although Pavitra enjoys watching WWE, Gronk and Brady turned him into an NFL aficionado.
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Edited by:

Gurjyot Singh Dadial