CONFIRMED: He was good at all.” A few minutes ago, the Denver Broncos finalized their decision of bringing back formal coach Nathaniel Hackett to replace Sean Payton…

In a surprising and bold move, the Denver Broncos have decided to bring back Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach, replacing Sean Payton. Hackett, who previously served as the Broncos’ head coach for just one tumultuous season in 2022, is returning to a team that has seen little success in recent years. His original tenure was marred by poor decision-making, a lack of discipline, and, most notably, the struggles of quarterback Russell Wilson, which led to a disappointing 5-12 record. Despite these challenges, Hackett’s hiring signals the Broncos’ hope for a new direction under a familiar face.

Hackett, 44, had been seen as an offensive guru before his ill-fated stint in Denver. Prior to his time with the Broncos, Hackett was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, where he helped guide the offense to top rankings and worked closely with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. His ability to adapt and design innovative schemes earned him high praise, but his transition to head coach in Denver was less than stellar. Many analysts point to his lack of head coaching experience and a high-pressure situation with an underperforming quarterback as the root causes of his struggles.

Now, with Payton’s tenure coming to an end after just one season, the Broncos front office has opted for a fresh start under Hackett’s leadership. The decision to bring him back reflects a shift in strategy, as the team aims to give Russell Wilson one final chance to regain his previous form. Hackett’s familiarity with Wilson, as well as his offensive background, could help reignite the quarterback’s career and get the Broncos’ offense back on track.

Hackett’s return to Denver raises questions about the Broncos’ long-term strategy and whether his previous failures will haunt him, or if the second time will prove to be the charm. For Hackett, this opportunity represents redemption—a chance to prove he can lead an NFL team to success. With high expectations and a team in need of a turnaround, Hackett’s leadership will be closely scrutinized.