Nathaniel Hackett just got the worst possible sign for his future with the Broncos
The Denver Broncos were supposed to compete for an AFC West division title this season Instead, Denver is 2-5 and in last place. And as a result, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is in his first season with Denver, is feeling the heat. ESPN's Dan Graziano suggested this week that Hackett could be coaching […]
The Denver Broncos were supposed to compete for an AFC West division title this season
Instead, Denver is 2-5 and in last place. And as a result, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is in his first season with Denver, is feeling the heat.
ESPN's Dan Graziano suggested this week that Hackett could be coaching for his job this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On Thursday, Broncos general manager George Paton told reporters he supports Hackett 100 percent.
“I believe in Nathaniel," said Paton. I support Nathaniel 100 percent. He’s been in this seven games as a head coach. The scrutiny he’s faced is unprecedented. We’ve had four primetime games, so he’s kind of had to learn in front of the entire world."
“But I really like how the team — he’s kept the team together," added Paton. "They’re connected. He’s kept our building together. And I appreciate how he’s fought through that.”
This is usually the kiss of death for a head coach.
Anytime an owner or general manager has to come out and say they support the head coach, it usually means the end isn't far away. Sure, sometimes things turn around. But more often than not, it's the beginning of the end.
And with reports already swirling that Hackett may not make it to the end of the season, this is probably the last thing he wanted to hear discussed publicly.
If Hackett and the Broncos can string a few wins together, perhaps he makes it to next season. But despite what Paton said on Thursday, the next loss Hackett suffers could be his last loss. The Broncos traded for Russell Wilson because they wanted to win right now. And with not much winning happening in Denver these days, it's easy to see why Paton might not wait too long to go in a different direction at head coach.
Featured image via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
