Cardinals' LaFleur wanted Hackett 'and nobody else' for OC role
New Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur had no doubts about hiring Nathaniel Hackett as his offensive coordinator despite a negative public perception about him.
"He's been very successful, he's very highly thought of, particularly within our profession," LaFleur said, according to PHNX Cardinals. "If you guys believe one thing from this press conference, it is I wanted him and nobody else. And he's here."
Hackett has a long history as an NFL offensive coordinator. His first role came with the Buffalo Bills in 2013 after spending time on Syracuse's offensive staff. Before becoming the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022, he was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers from 2019-21 under LaFleur's brother, Matt.
Hackett's reputation has taken a hit in recent years after lasting only 15 games as the Broncos' coach. He was then hired as the New York Jets' offensive coordinator in 2023, but was stripped of play-calling duties in 2024 when Jeff Ulbrich took over as the interim coach.
"I've never worked with Hack, I've obviously known Hack for a lot of years, but obviously the years he's spent with Green Bay and my brother, what a vital part he had in the success early on," LaFleur told reporters. "What an opportunity for us and myself to be able to land him."
LaFleur will be the Cardinals' offensive play-caller when the 2026 season opens. This will be the first time the former Los Angeles Rams assistant calls plays since he, himself, was the Jets' offensive coordinator from 2021-22.
It's still unclear who LaFleur's starting quarterback will be in Week 1. Kyler Murray, who signed a five-year, $230.5-million contract extension in 2022, only started five games last season due to a foot injury, and Arizona will reportedly explore trading him this offseason. Jacoby Brissett is still under contract for one more season after being the Cardinals' primary starter in 2025.
LaFleur and Hackett will look to improve an Arizona offense that ranked 29th in scoring last year.
Hackett spent the 2025 season as an analyst for the Packers.