The Arizona Cardinals have added a new face to their coaching staff, hiring Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, according to a source familiar with the decision. Hackett will work under new head coach Mike LaFleur, who was recently appointed to lead the team following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.
Hackett brings a wealth of NFL experience to the position, having previously served in a variety of coaching roles across the league. His resume includes stints as offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills. He also served as head coach of the Denver Broncos during the 2022 season, though his tenure there was short-lived. Most recently, Hackett was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets.
Known for his creative play designs and adaptability, Hackett has worked with a wide range of quarterbacks and offensive schemes. In Green Bay, he played a key role in coordinating an offense led by Aaron Rodgers, contributing to back-to-back 13-win seasons and helping Rodgers secure consecutive MVP awards. His earlier work in Jacksonville helped guide the team to the 2017 AFC Championship Game.
Hackett now steps into a new chapter in Arizona, where he will look to bolster an offense that faced challenges in recent seasons. The Cardinals are aiming to rebuild under LaFleur, who brings experience as a former offensive coordinator himself with both the Jets and 49ers. The coaching duo’s shared background could create a cohesive strategy aimed at reshaping Arizona’s offensive identity.
The Cardinals have not made a formal announcement regarding Hackett’s hiring, and details surrounding the structure of the offensive staff are still emerging. However, both LaFleur and Hackett are expected to work closely to develop a system that maximizes the strengths of the team’s roster, including quarterback development and improving overall consistency on offense.
With the full coaching staff beginning to take shape, the Cardinals enter the offseason focused on preparing for the 2026 campaign, aiming to make strides in both competitiveness and continuity.
