Aaron Rodgers-Nathaniel Hackett friendship, explained: Inside relationship between Jets QB and offensive coordinator
Offensive coordinators usually fly under the radar if things are going well. When things are good, they usually aren't brought unless they interview for head-coaching jobs. But if things are going poorly, they can be the fall guy, and the first one out the door.
Some coordinators are lucky enough to find their perfect quarterback. Their scheme fits perfectly to the quarterback's strengths and minimizes exposes his weaknesses. When that happens, both sides of the partnership come out looking good.
For offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, that quarterback was Aaron Rodgers. The two crossed paths in Green Bay. Rodgers was already a two-time MVP winner, but took home two more MVP awards under Hackett's tutelage. Now, they are together again in New York.
The Sporting News takes a look at the history between Rodgers and Hackett.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Aaron Rodgers-Nathaniel Hackett relationship
Tenure in Green Bay
Rodgers was drafted by the Packers with the 24th overall pick in the 2005. Hackett was the specialists/recruiting coordinator for Stanford. It took until 2019 for Hackett to link up with Rodgers. Before joining the Packers, Hackett served as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2018.
Hackett and Rodgers found instant success together. They had three straight 13-win seasons together from 2019-2021. Rodgers, despite being in his mid 30s, won back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021. The duo never made it past the NFC Championship game together, and parted ways when Hackett accepted a head coaching job for the Denver Broncos after the 2021 NFL season.
Packers results with Rodgers + Hackett
Year Division finish Wins Losses Playoff Result 2019 1st 13 3 W Divisional vs. Seahawks, L NFC Championship vs. 49ers 2020 1st 13 3 W Divisional vs. Rams, L NFC Championship vs. Buccaneers 2021 1st 13 3 L Divisional vs. 49ers
Following Hackett heading to Denver, the Packers went 8-9 in their last season with Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers stats with Hackett
Year Passing Yards Passing TDs Interceptions 2019 4,002 26 4 2020* 4,299 48 5 2021* 4,115 37 4 Total 12,416 111 13
*denotes MVP Season
MORE ROBERT SALEH FIRING:
Why did Jets fire Robert Saleh? | Top 7 Jets coaching candidates | Who is Jeff Ulbrich? | Mekhi Becton 'celebratory' tweet
Hackett heads to Denver
Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, Hackett was named the head coach for the Broncos, replacing Vic Fangio. There was speculation on whether or not Denver would acquire Rodgers from the Packers based on his relationship with Hackett. The Broncos did trade for a quarterback, but it was former Seahawks star Russell Wilson.
Hackett was criticized heavily for poor clock management issues in Weeks 1 and 2 of. the 2021 season. This set the tone for the entire season, and he was fired before the end of the year. He became the fifth head coach since the NFL merger in 1970 to not make it through his first season as head coach.
Broncos results with Hackett
Year Division Finish Wins Losses Playoff Result 2022 4th 5 12 Missed playoffs
The Packers dropped to 8-9 and finished third in the NFC North without Hackett.
Packers results without Hackett
Year Division Finish Wins Losses Playoff Result 2022 3rd 8 9 Missed playoffs
MORE: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings | Week 6 NFL picks | Week 6 NFL picks against the spread
Rodgers experienced a rough year without Hackett. After winning his second consecutive MVP award, Rodgers saw his numbers decline. With Rodgers again contemplating retirement, he and Green Bay ultimately decided to part ways.
Aaron Rodgers the year after Hackett
Year Passing Yards Passing TDs Interceptions 2022 3,695 26 12
Rodgers + Hackett reunite
Hackett landed on his feet about a month after being fired by Denver. He was hired to be the offensive coordinator for the Jets. This only added to the speculation that Rodgers would be traded to New York.
That's exactly what happened. Rodgers was traded to the Jets ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hype grew all offseason, but on the first offensive drive of the 2023 seaon, Rodgers suffered his season-ending injury.
The veteran quarterback returned in 2024, but has had to shake off the rust to start the year. After a 2-3 start, New York fired head coach Robert Saleh. Former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named the team's interim head coach. As one of his first duties, Ulbrich removed Hackett as the team's playcaller.
Here's how Rodgers has fared under Hackett in 2024.
Rodgers 2024 stats with Hackett (five games)
