Before the Denver Broncos started training camp last week, head coach Sean Payton defended Russell Wilson and the quarterback’s struggles in 2022 by suggesting last season “might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.”
Payton, of course, was referring to ex-Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett, who went 4-11 last year before being fired with two games remaining. Hackett now serves as an offensive coordinator for the New York Jets and head coach Robert Saleh and offensive lineman Billy Turner quickly stood up for him after Payton’s harsh remarks.
After practice on Tuesday, Hackett was made available to the media for the first time since Payton’s comments.
“There’s a code, there’s a way things are done [as a coach],” Hackett said. “This past week — it’s frustrating and it sucks, but we’re all susceptible to it. … It’s unfortunate that that had to happen, that the comments were made, but hey, they did. I’ll tell ya, I was probably more surprised that they happened now. Was definitely expecting them in Week 5. So I’m almost thankful that we got that out of the way.”
Nathaniel Hackett responds to Sean Payton's comments:
"There's a code and there's a way things are done in that house. This past week, it's frustrating and it sucks. We're all susceptible to it." pic.twitter.com/aYvMM4HtoB
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 1, 2023
One day after making his comments about Hackett, Payton said during a post-practice press conference that he regretted the remarks and he called them a mistake. The damage had already been done, though.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers responded to Payton’s remarks on Sunday, calling them “way out of line.” Rodgers also called Payton “insecure.”
Payton was asked after Monday’s practice if he would like to respond to Rodgers’ comments.
“No, we’re past it,” Payton said.
Payton and the Broncos might be “past it,” but New York won’t forget it. Denver’s game against the Jets on Oct. 8 will be must-watch TV.
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