The Denver Broncos announced on Monday that they have terminated Nathaniel Hackett as head coach.
The decision was made after extensive discussions with team owner Greg Penner and the ownership group, as it was determined that a new direction would be in the best interest of the team.
Hackett, who had been head coach for 15 games, led the Broncos to a record of 4-11.
It has been announced that Penner and Paton will lead the search for the next head coach of the team, with support from the ownership group.
The owner also expressed confidence in Paton as the general manager.
This decision comes after the team suffered a defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, with the score being 51-14. Prior to the season, there were high expectations for the team, as they had hired Hackett and acquired star quarterback Russell Wilson through a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, the team’s offense has not improved and currently ranks last in the NFL with an average of 15.5 points per game. Additionally, Wilson has struggled with 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a career-low passer rating of 82.6.
Hackett has now become the fifth head coach in NFL history to be dismissed before the end of their first season, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
This marks the fourth head coach for the Broncos since their Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season, with Hackett joining Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, and Vic Fangio. The team has not made it to the postseason since their championship campaign.