Former Packers Coach Named Offensive Coordinator for AFC Team

It’s been a tough past year for former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. However, the former Denver Broncos head coach has found a new opportunity with an emerging AFC team.

After a strong tenure with the Packers, Hackett was named the head coach of the Broncos prior to the 2022 season. While there was speculation that Hackett was hired to lure Aaron Rodgers to Denver, the Broncos ended up with Russell Wilson instead.

Things went south quickly, with Hackett being fired by the Broncos before the 2022 season even ended. While Matt LaFleur was open to a reunion with Hackett, the former Packers offensive coordinator has a new job.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday, January 26 that the New York Jets had hired Hackett to replace Mike LaFleur as their offensive coordinator. LaFleur was the younger brother of the Packers head coach, but was unable to get New York’s offense going with so much uncertainty at the quarterback position.

With Hackett now in New York, speculation will pop up once again about Rodgers being traded to the Jets to reunite with his former offensive coordinator.

Where Will Aaron Rodgers Play in 2023?

After a disappointing end to the 2022 season, questions almost immediately popped up surrounding Rodgers’ future. However, the 39-year-old has yet to make a decision about his future, and there’s still the chance that he may retire.

That being said, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that both Rodgers and the Packers are on the same page that a trade is on the table this offseason. If Rodgers decides that he wants to play again in 2023 and beyond, that opens up several different possibilities.

Financially, a trade is difficult but doable, even if the Packers don’t restructure Rodgers’ contract. Trading the 39-year-old would result in a $40 million dead cap for 2023, but get his contract off of the books for 2024 and beyond.

Multiple teams have already emerged as potential suitors, specifically a couple of teams in the AFC. According to one NFL executive, the Indianapolis Colts could be a legitimate landing spot for the four-time MVP. Given the talent on their roster, a star QB could be what they need to turn their franchise around.

However, the Jets will remain the top rumored landing spot for Rodgers after the team’s hiring of Hackett. The Jets have a dominant defense, but are back to square one at quarterback after a drama-filled season surrounding former top draft pick Zach Wilson. There has been months of speculation with the Packers and Jets in a Rodgers trade, and Hackett will stir even more of it going forward.

Is Jordan Love Ready to Start?

With all of the speculation surrounding Rodgers, Packers fans are preparing themselves for the next era in Green Bay with Jordan Love under center.

Love was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the intention of being Rodgers’ successor. However, after back-to-back MVP seasons from Rodgers in 2020 and 2021, Love has had to wait a bit longer than expected to be an NFL starter.

The 24-year-old is reportedly getting impatient with the situation. Love has reportedly considered a trade request if Rodgers is still the starting QB in Green Bay in 2023, looking for an opportunity to finally prove himself as an NFL quarterback.

However, with the way things are trending, Love may not have to wait much longer to finally get his chance.