The object of Sean Payton's scathing remarks about the 2022 Broncos has finally spoken out about those comments: Payton's predecessor in Denver, Nathaniel Hackett.
Much has been made of Payton's comments — which were largely viewed as abnormal for an NFL coach — about the failings of last year's Broncos team. He was wholly uncomplimentary of the staff and their influence on former Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.
That was especially true of Hackett, whom the Broncos fired after less than a year on the job after going 4-11. Now the Jets' offensive coordinator, he spoke publicly for the first time on Tuesday about Payton's comments.
"We (coaches) live in a glass house," Hackett told assembled media. "We all know that. We all live in different rooms, we all got a key for it. And it's one of those things there's a code. There's a way things are done. This past week is frustrating. It's unfortunate about the comments that were made, but they did."
MORE: Broncos' Sean Payton blasts Jets, Nathaniel Hackett
Hackett acknowledged his struggles as the Broncos' coach last year before expressing gratitude that Payton made his comments as early as he did (as opposed to entering the teams' Week 5 meeting in Denver).
Nathaniel Hackett responds to Sean Payton's comments:
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 1, 2023
"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
The Jets named Hackett as their offensive coordinator on Jan. 26, a move many considered a precursor to trading for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Hackett teamed up with the four-time NFL MVP from 2019-21, helping him win his two most recent MVP awards in 2020-21.
What did Sean Payton say about Nathaniel Hackett?
Payton's comments about Hackett and his coaching staff were in relation to Wilson's play at quarterback in 2022. He completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,524 yards and a career-low 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
Payton placed the majority of the blame for the QB's struggles not on Wilson, but on Hackett:
"Oh, man. There's so much dirt around (Wilson's play). There's 20 dirty hands, for what was allowed, tolerated in the fricking training rooms, the meeting rooms. The offense," Payton said. "I don't know Hackett. A lot of people had dirt on their hands. It wasn't just Russell. He didn't just flip. He still has it. This B.S. that he hit a wall? Shoot, they couldn't get a play in. They were 29th in the league in pre-snap penalties on both sides of the ball.
Continued Payton:
"That was a message. They can only beat the (expletive) out of you so much. But everybody's got a little stink on their hands. It's not just Russell. It was a (poor) offensive line. It might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL. That's how bad it was."
Payton has since apologized for his comments, saying he regrets that he spoke more like the Fox football analyst he was last season as opposed to an NFL coach. (He took a yearlong hiatus from coaching and was since traded by his former team, the Saints, to the Broncos.)
MORE: Aaron Rodgers blasts Sean Payton's 'inappropriate' comments
Robert Saleh, Aaron Rodgers responses to Sean Payton
Hackett's was the most diplomatic response to Payton. But Rodgers and Jets coach Robert Saleh were less restrained when voicing their opinions.
Saleh said he wouldn't respond to Payton, claiming he could "say whatever the hell he wants" and that New York must be doing something right for him to be talking about them in the preseason. (Payton also made mention of undeserved hype, pointing directly at New York in the comment.)
Robert Saleh responds to Sean Payton's comments:
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 27, 2023
"If you ain't got no haters, you ain't popping. So hate away." pic.twitter.com/mnBk3pg0LV
Rodgers was the most pointed in his rebuke, calling Payton's comments "inappropriate" and "out of line" before saying, "I think he needs to keep my coach's name out of his mouth."
The Jets QB also said Payton's comments were nothing more than a built-in excuse for if Denver performs poorly in 2023. If such a season occurs, he can point at Hackett's perceived failings as the reason why.
Either way, it's clear there will be no love lost between Hackett and his former team when the Jets take on Denver in Week 5.
