DENVER, Colo. – The Denver Broncos announced Monday the dismissal of coach Nathaniel Hackett due to poor results offered through week 16 of the 2022 NFL season.
“On behalf of our organization I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate his efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future,” said team owner Greg Penner.
We have parted ways with Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett.
A statement from Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner: pic.twitter.com/1tWMjHv6em
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 26, 2022
The announcement comes a day after the Broncos lost 51-14 to the Rams.
Hackett leaves Denver with a deficit balance of four wins and eleven losses, the second worst performance in the American Conference (AFC) in which it occupies the last place in the West division, a position that has the franchise eliminated from the ‘playoffs’ .
Hackett signed with the Broncos last January to replace Vic Fangio.
Expectations were high for him on the team after they also signed 37-year-old quarterback Russell Wilson.
After 16 weeks the results are far from what the franchise was looking for, explained Greg Penner.
“We recognize and appreciate the history of this organization, we know we have not lived up to that standard, our fans deserve better. This change was made out of respect for all involved and allows us to begin the search for a new head coach.” added the Broncos owner.
Denver accumulates seven seasons without qualifying for the postseason, the last time it did so was to win Super Bowl 50 in which they beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10, with Peyton Manning as quarterback, and Gary Kubiak as coach.
Greg Penner promised that they will turn the tide of losing campaigns that the team has had with the selection of the new coach.
“We will make the necessary changes to restore the winning tradition of this franchise. I will lead our search for a head coach with the support of our ownership group and George Paton, whom I trust as our general manager.”
The Broncos will close out the 2022 season with two games. In week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and in week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.