Broncos CEO Greg Penner shares his thoughts on slow start, Hackett’s future

It’s not very common to hear from NFL ownership during a season.

Unless it’s an owner like Jerry Jones, who loves the spotlight, most sit back and don’t engage the media very often.

That had been the case with new Broncos CEO Greg Penner so far in 2022, but a trip to London means a special occasion. He spoke with a handful of Denver media member on Friday night, including 104.3 The Fan and 9NEWS Broncos insider Mike Klis.

There’s a lot to unpack on what Penner had to say, with his feelings on embattled head coach Nathaniel Hackett top of mind for every fan. So, here’s everything Penner expressed, then we can dive into it.

Caught up with Broncos Owner Greg Penner along with a few scribes covering fan event tonight in London.

Penner expressed disappointment with team’s slow start, acknowledged understanding of fan anger and said that while he supports Hackett, he is always evaluating. #9Sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 28, 2022

Penner II: "That’s the challenge as we go into the 2nd half of the season. I’ve been really proud of our guys for battling. They’ve shown a lot of resiliency. Defense has played great. There’s places where things are going well but overall we’re not where we need to be.” #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 28, 2022

We don't really know CEO Greg Penner that well yet. Big impression tonight: Broncos aren't a toy, or side diversion for the Walton-Penners. They're in it to win. Penner was firm, honest about disappointment in current state of team. But also optimistic better days ahead. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 28, 2022

Penner on Hackett II: But he knows we’re not performing at the level we expect but we’ve got high expectations for him in the second half.’’ #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 28, 2022

Penner on if this means Hackett's the HC rest of 2022: “We’re never going to go into those kind of things. I’m supportive of Nathaniel. … As you know this is a week to week sport. We’re always evaluating and our goal is to win as many games in the 2nd half as we can.” #9sports https://t.co/3qebKuUmjD

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 28, 2022

Again, there’s a lot to take in from all those quotes. First and foremost, Penner didn’t guarantee Hackett will finish the season. When asked if the first-year head coach is guaranteed the rest of the year, Penner noted the NFL is week-to-week. Translation? We could move on from him at any time.

It’s also nice to see Penner talk about the fans and his ownership group is aware the team isn’t meeting expectations. We saw mass exits before games ended against the Colts and Jets, and Penner knows that can’t happen. His business is selling as many tickets as possible, have all those people show up, spend money and stay the whole game. Most importantly, they have a good time and want to come back. That starts with winning.

Finally, Penner’s football knowledge is coming along nicely. He and the rest of the ownership group said from the jump they wouldn’t be making football decisions (that’s not their expertise), but they would trust the people they put in place to do their jobs. When Penner noted the defense is playing well, that seems fairly obvious, but also a hint he’s aware it’s a Hackett / Justin Outten problem that needs to be fixed.

Penner won’t be “picking players,” as he said in his opening press conference, but he will be picking decision makers. Considering he didn’t hire Hackett, or GM George Paton for that matter, it’s good to see Penner is always evaluating.

If things don’t go well on Sunday, he could be evaluating who keeps their jobs. And that would almost certainly start with Hackett.

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