the Denver Broncos He fired first year head coach Nathaniel Hackett with two games left in the season.
Owner and CEO Greg Benner said he will lead the search for a new coach with the help of GM George Button, who expressed confidence Monday during his announcement. Hackett’s dismissal.
Hackett’s firing with two games left in a lost season allows Penner to begin his search for a replacement immediately.
The Broncos scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, where they are expected to name their interim head coach for games in Kansas City next weekend and at home against the Chargers in Week 18.
Walton Penner Collection Broncos bought for $4.65 billion Last summer, a world record for a professional sports franchise.
On Sunday, the Broncos (4-11) were blown out by a Los Angeles Rams 51-14 who were equally persecuted when Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. The game featured a sideline brawl between backup QB Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner, and rusher Randy Gregory threw a punch at the Rams player after the game.
In a statement Monday, Penner thanked Hackett for his dedication but said that “after extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we have determined that the new direction will ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change has now been made out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin our search.” About a new head coach.
“Going forward, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of our football operations and make any changes necessary to restore this franchise’s winning tradition,” Penner said.
Hackett replaced Vic Fangio last January but has been unable to build an attack suitable for Wilson, who recently turned 34.
Hackett is the third NFL Firing the head coach during the 2022 season. The Carolina Panthers replaced Matt Rolle with their interim head coach, Steve Wilkes, and the Indianapolis Colts fired Frank Reich, replacing him with rookie Jeff Saturday.
Many fans thought the Broncos hired Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers, where he was offensive coordinator, to help them land quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers decided to replay with the Packers and Broncos instead, and Wilson, who was seen as still in his prime, was replaced.
However, Wilson had a terrible first season in Denver after the Broncos sent four outstanding draft picks and three players to nine-time Pro Bowler Seattle. Wilson has 12 touchdown passes with nine interceptions and 49 sacks in 13 starts and hasn’t been able to break out of his season-long funk.
He is 3-10 as a Denver starter and missed games with a hamstring injury and a concussion.
He has routinely ignored open receivers on the bottom line to attempt deep throws and has shown a marked decline in his ability to escape the pass rush this season.
The Broncos missed the playoffs seven straight seasons and extended their losing streak to six seasons.
They will attempt a 14-game losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and beat Patrick Mahomes for the first time in 11 attempts.