The Green Bay Packers 2022 season ended much earlier than anyone within that organization had anticipated it would. Coming into the season they were regarded by many as Super Bowl contenders, but they fell woefully short of those expectations as they didn’t even qualify for the playoffs.
Green Bay lost in Week 18 to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field to dash their late-season run. That game was a microcosm of what this season has been for the Packers; their defense was unable to get timely stops, the offense didn’t constantly move the ball and undisciplined play cost them dearly.
There is a lot of work to be done this offseason as the Packers could be installing a new starting quarterback for the first time in a long time. While nothing is close to official, Aaron Rodgers has hinted at retiring this offseason and some of his actions after the game Sunday night would add to that speculation.
If Green Bay is going to try and convince him to stay, would bringing back a familiar face to the coaching staff help? Former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who spent one season as head coach of the Denver Broncos before being fired, could be brought back to the staff this offseason.
Head coach Matt LaFleur admitted that he has certainly thought about bringing Hackett back. While the two have talked, it wasn’t about business, but more about checking in on a friend who was no longer employed.
“I think I’ve definitely entertained all that,” LaFleur said Monday. “I think you can never have enough great coaches, and certainly you guys know how I feel about Nathaniel and the job he did here. But again, just getting started into the evaluation phase. I did talk to him after he got let go in Denver. I know that he needs some family time as well.”
Hackett was a colossal failure as head coach with the Broncos. He looked to be in over his head from the start, overseeing one of the worst offenses we have seen in recent history despite that side of the ball being his background. Coming back to a familiar setting with the Packers could be exactly what he needs to get back on track.
LaFleur’s play calling has come into question at times this season. Could this offseason finally be the time for him to relinquish those duties and focus on more aspects of the game outside of just the offense? If he does decide to not make the offensive play calls for the first time since taking the job, having someone as familiar with the scheme as Hackett would certainly help.
