Denver Broncos dismiss rookie head coach before the season ends

• The Broncos have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons.
• Penner may begin his search for a replacement immediately.
• The Walton-Penner group purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion last summer.

Monday, with two games remaining in the season, the Denver Broncos sacked first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

While announcing Hackett’s firing, owner and CEO Greg Penner stated that he will head the hunt for a new coach alongside general manager George Paton, in whom he expressed trust.

Penner may begin his search for a replacement immediately after firing Hackett with two games remaining in a losing season.

The Broncos have arranged a news conference for Tuesday, where they are anticipated to announce their temporary head coach for the next games against the Chiefs and the Chargers.

The Walton-Penner group purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion last summer, a world record for a professional sports club. Following the league’s approval, Rob Walton stated that he intended to make the Broncos perennial competitors for the championship.

Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times as the Denver Broncos (4-11) were routed by the Los Angeles Rams (also 4-11) by a score of 51-14 on Sunday. A sideline altercation occurred between backup quarterback Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner during the game, and pass rusher Randy Gregory punched a Rams player after the game.

Penner commended Hackett for his commitment in a statement released on Monday, but added, “after thorough discussions with George and our ownership, we felt that a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This adjustment was made now out of respect for all parties involved and permits us to begin the hunt for a new head coach immediately.”

Penner stated, “In the future, we will analyse every area of our football operations and make any necessary adjustments to restore this franchise’s winning tradition.”

Hackett replaced Vic Fangio in January of last year, but he has been unable to construct a proper offensive for Wilson, who recently turned 34.

Hackett is the third NFL head coach to be dismissed in 2022. The Carolina Panthers replaced head coach Matt Rhule with interim head coach Steve Wilks, whereas the Indianapolis Colts sacked head coach Frank Reich and replaced him with coaching rookie Jeff Saturday.

Many fans believed that the Broncos hired Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers, where he served as offensive coordinator, in order to assist them in signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers elected to re-sign with the Packers, so the Broncos traded for Wilson, who was still considered to be in his prime.

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, was acquired by the Denver Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for four premium draught picks and three players. However, Wilson has had a terrible first season in Denver. In 13 starts, Wilson has thrown 12 touchdown passes, nine interceptions, and 49 sacks, and he has been unable to shake a season-long funk.

As Denver’s starting quarterback, he is 3-10 and has missed games with a pulled hamstring and a concussion.

This season, he has consistently overlooked open receivers below to attempt deep throws, and his ability to evade pass rushers has declined significantly.

The Broncos have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons and have extended their losing streak to six.

On Sunday, they will attempt to end their 14-game losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs and defeat Patrick Mahomes for the first time in 11 attempts.

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