Nathaniel Hackett’s coaching staff is starting to come together

A pattern is emerging as the Broncos new head coach puts together his staff, tapping into names and faces that are familiar and have had success

BY JAMES MERILATT

Feb 2, 2022, 12:15 PM

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The first step of the process to replace Vic Fangio was the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett. But it won’t conclude until the new head coach hires his staff.

That’ll tell Broncos Country who will replace many of the people who became problematic under Fangio. Who will fill Pat Shurmur’s shoes? Who will take over for Tom McMahon? The list of questions goes on and on.

The buck may stop with Hackett. But the ultimate success of the new regime will also be heavily dependent on the new staff.

While still in motion, some of the pieces are starting to fall into place. Hackett is looking at teams familiar with his Shanahan / Kubiak version of the West Coast offense, coaches he’s worked with in the past and franchises who are currently enjoying success.

Justin Outten is the Broncos new OC, and Klint Kubiak is team’s new QB coach/passing game coordinator, sources tell 9news. Both formally interviewed Monday. Outten has has been on the job since. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 2, 2022

Outten was the tight ends coach with Hackett in Green Bay, so he’s familiar with the system. Kubiak was the offensive coordinator in Minnesota, where he took over for his dad, running Gary’s offense.

Per multiple sources, Broncos are in process of hiring Butch Barry a their new OL coach, replacing Mike Munchak. Barry coached with Broncos' HC Nathaniel Hackett, OC Justin Oetten in Green Bay in 2020. Spent the past year as Kyle Shanahan's asst OLine coach with 49ers. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 2, 2022

A Packers connection. And a Shanahan connection. Seems like a good fit.

Losing Munchak will be tough, as he’s widely regarded as one of the best in the business and is credited with turning Garett Bolles around, but he doesn’t fit the system. Hackett clearly isn’t forcing square pegs into round holes.

Sources: Barring unforseen hiccup, Hackett planning to hire Rams DB coach Ejiro Evero as Broncos new defensive coordinator. Evero tied up w/Rams and SB 56.#9sports https://t.co/wBGVLmxtG6

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 2, 2022

Tapping into the Rams makes sense. The Super Bowl mojo is appealing.

Sources: Rams asst special teams coach Dwayne Stukes, a former 4-year NFL DB and Arena League standout for Colorado Crush, in mix for Broncos' special teams coordinator. Stukes in popular demand so Broncos have other candidates. #9sports https://t.co/wBGVLmxtG6

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 2, 2022

Another Rams assistant. Again, tapping into a winning culture.

It’s all starting to come together for Hackett. And so far, there’s a clear pattern to how he’s assembling his coaching staff.