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The Denver Broncos just fired Nathaniel Hackett with two games remaining in the 2022 NFL regular season. The Broncos were already eliminated from the playoffs and were roundly defeated by the also-eliminated Los Angeles Rams and Hackett is taking the fall for the team's struggles.
They've been poor all year long and new quarterback Russell Wilson looks like a shell of himself. Hackett, who was a quarterback coach, has struggled in every facet of the game and Wilson noticeably regressed under him.
With two games remaining, whoever the interim coach is will not have much opportunity to win the job. This means that, in all likelihood, the Broncos will be operating with a new head coach for the second season in a row.
As to who that will be, NFL fans are speculating about the opportunities. Sean Payton and other names have popped up as possible options.
A lot of teams will be competing for head coaches. The Carolina Panthers might be depending on whether or not they go with interim head coach Steve Wilks.
The Las Vegas Raiders might be forced to fire Josh McDaniels. Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury might get axed. Plenty more might go when the season is over.
The Broncos are a bit of an attractive destination, though. They have an elite defense, the 51-14 drubbing at the hands of Baker Mayfield and the Rams notwithstanding.
They also have a former Pro Bowl quarterback who might be irreparably damaged, but a good coach could make it work.
Head coaching options for the Denver Broncos after firing Nathaniel Hackett
Sean Payton is going to be the most popular name among head coaching searches, but there are other options for the Denver Broncos.
Should the Panthers elect to look elsewhere than Wilks, he has done well enough to warrant a potential offer elsewhere.
Kliff Kingsbury is an offensive-minded head coach who has been to the playoffs. Should the Cardinals move on, the Broncos might be an intriguing option.
Assistants from top teams like Eric Bieniemy from the Kansas City Chiefs are a good bet too.
