First-time head coach Mike LaFleur defended his decision to hire Nathaniel Hackett as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator.
Hackett, 46, has been a coach in the NFL for 17 seasons but his recent history was marred with perceived failures. He was fired as head coach of the Denver Broncos before completing the 2022 season, and was the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2022 and the first month of the 2023 season before his play-calling responsibilities were removed and handed to Todd Downing.
Last season he was employed by the Green Bay Packers, and LaFleur’s brother Matt, with the title of defensive analyst.
“He’s been very successful and is very highly thought of, especially in our profession,” Mike LaFleur said.
Mike LaFleur, 38, is expected to call plays for Arizona. He did not have that duty as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator — head coach Sean McVay is the play-caller — and said his choice for the OC role was a one-man list when he was named head coach of the Cardinals in January.
“If you guys believe one thing from this press conference, it is literally: I wanted him and nobody else. And he’s here,” Mike LaFleur said.
Hackett said he hears the criticism but chooses to tune it out.
“Learn from your adversity,” Hackett said. “Sometimes you gotta block out that noise. I’ve learned to block out that noise.”
Remaking the offense will be a cooperative effort. Arizona is working through decisions that will define the makeup of the roster, starting with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Murray is a candidate to be traded after missing 10 games last year with a foot injury, extending durability concerns that are multiplied because of his salary.
