5 Ideal candidates who could replace Nathaniel Hackett as the new Broncos head coach

Nathaniel Hackett was hired to take over as the head coach of the Denver Broncos prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season. While he previously had no NFL head coaching experience, he found plenty of success as a respected offensive coordinator. He most recently served in the position with the Green Bay Packers, while also doing so with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars previously.

The Broncos entered the 2022 season with high expectations, especially after acquiring Russell Wilson via trade from the Seattle Seahawks. They believed pairing Wilson and Hackett will unlock their offensive potential that has been loaded with talent. But things didn't go according to plan, as their season has been a disaster.

The Broncos are currently averaging the lowest points per game of any team in the NFL. They also have an extremely disappointing 4-11 record after getting blown out by the Los Angeles Rams by a 51-14 score in Week 16. To make things worse, the Rams were without Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald, among others.

The embarrassing performance, as well as a complete failure to meet expectations this season, resulted in Nathaniel Hackett being fired just 15 games into his head coaching career. While assistant coach Jerry Rosburg has reportedly been named the interim head coach, the Broncos will now need to consider their options for next year.

Here are five potential candidates who could take over as the next head coach of the Denver Broncos.

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#1 - Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton

Sean Payton shockingly retired from his head coaching position with the New Orleans Saints following the 2021 NFL season. Many around the league expect him to return relatively soon, but with a new team. Payton should be one of the first names the Broncos call to replace Nathaniel Hackett. He has a proven record of winning, including being a Super Bowl champion.

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#2 - Jim Harbaugh

Michigan Wolverines HC Jim Harbaugh

Following an incredibly successful run with the San Francisco 49ers, including a Super Bowl appearance, Jim Harbaugh left the NFL to become the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines. His name gets brought up for almost every NFL head coaching vacancy since he left, and here he is again. Unlike Nathaniel Hackett, Harbaugh has a long history of winning as a head coach and would bring stability.

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#3 - Dan Quinn

Dallas Cowboys DC Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn has a proven record of success, especially as a defensive coordinator, including with the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. He also served as the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons, making a Super Bowl appearance. He figures to be a hot head coaching candidate during the upcoming NFL offseason, so it would be wise for the Broncos to inquire about his interest in their opening.

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#4 - Frank Reich

Indianapolis Colts HC Frank Reich

Frank Reich was fired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts after a disappointing start to the 2022 NFL season. Many around the league believe he will eventually get another opportunity to become a head coach. He's a respected offensive mind, especially with quarterbacks, so pairing him with Russell Wilson could make some sense for the Broncos.

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#5 - DeMeco Ryans

San Francisco 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans had a solid career as a linebacker for the Houston Texans. He now serves as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, one of the most dominant defensive units in the league. He is projected to be one of the most popular head coaching candidates during the 2023 offseason.

The Broncos rank inside the top five in total defense this year, so Ryans may be interested in the job opening. This could be a relatively attractive position for a defensive-minded coach.