Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett as Offensive Coordinator
TEMPE, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) — The Arizona Cardinals are adding a familiar NFL name to their coaching staff, as new head coach Mike LaFleur has hired Nathaniel Hackett to serve as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Hackett, 46, reunites with the LaFleur family after spending the 2025 season as a defensive analyst with the Green Bay Packers under head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike LaFleur’s brother. The move brings Hackett back into an offensive role, though not as the primary playcaller.
During his introductory press conference, Mike LaFleur confirmed he will handle offensive playcalling duties for Arizona, positioning Hackett in a supporting coordinator role similar to what he held in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021.
Hackett replaces LaFleur in the coordinator role after LaFleur’s departure from the New York Jets, where Hackett served as offensive coordinator for two seasons. Hackett was stripped of playcalling responsibilities during the 2024 season before leaving the organization.
Despite recent struggles, Hackett’s résumé includes notable success. While serving as offensive coordinator in Green Bay, quarterback Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. Hackett later became head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 but was dismissed before the season concluded.
Hackett has also held offensive coordinator roles with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, giving him experience across multiple offensive systems and quarterback styles.
The hiring comes as Arizona continues to shape its offensive identity under LaFleur, with questions still surrounding the long-term future at quarterback. With Hackett’s experience and LaFleur calling plays, the Cardinals are aiming to stabilize and elevate an offense looking to take the next step in the NFC.
