The Denver Broncos fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday. A league source told CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson that the Broncos were looking to “blow it up.” That process apparently starts with parting ways with Hackett.
This move comes after the Broncos were embarrassed by the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas, 51-14. Russell Wilson threw three interceptions, while Denver’s defense failed to force a single Rams punt. There was also a skirmish on the Broncos sideline during the game, and then pass rusher Randy Gregory appeared to slap Rams offensive guard Oday Aboushi after the final whistle. Sunday was an absolute disaster for Denver, and the final nail in the coffin for coach Hackett.
Per ESPN, Broncos senior assistant Jerry Rosburg will take over as interim head coach. He was hired by the franchise earlier this season to aid Hackett in clock management strategy, and has served as the special teams coordinator for a few other NFL teams in the past.
Hackett went 4-11 in his 15 games as Broncos head coach. Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner released this statement announcing the decision.
“On behalf of our ownership and organization, I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future.
“Following extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.
“We recognize and appreciate this organization’s championship history, and we understand we have not met that standard. Our fans deserve much better, and I can’t say enough about their loyalty during such a challenging stretch for our team.
“Moving forward, we…
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