CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin recently published a thought-provoking piece ranking the 25 worst head coaching hires in NFL history. The article sheds light on just how critical the head coach is to a franchise’s long-term stability and success. While the intent wasn’t to “kick someone while they’re down,” Benjamin emphasized that, like finding a franchise quarterback, securing the right head coach can make—or break—a team’s future.
For the Denver Broncos, the last decade has been a rollercoaster, particularly in the post-Gary Kubiak era. Thankfully, under Sean Payton, the team seems to be on the upswing, having finally snapped a long-standing playoff drought. However, CBS’s list serves as a stark reminder of some of the Broncos’ darkest days—two of which rank in the top five worst hires of all time.
No. 5 – Nathaniel Hackett (4-11 Record)
Hackett’s tenure was short but historically disastrous. Hired in 2022, the offensive-minded coach was seen by many as a strategic move to attract quarterback Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay. When that failed, Denver instead traded for Russell Wilson in a blockbuster deal that has since aged poorly.
From day one, Hackett looked overwhelmed. His game management was erratic, his offense lifeless, and the team frequently drew delay-of-game penalties—so often that fans began counting down the play clock. Denver ended the season with a league-low 15.5 points per game, their worst since 1966. The final straw came on Christmas Day, when the Broncos suffered a humiliating 51–14 loss to the Rams. Hackett was fired the very next day, becoming the shortest-tenured head coach in franchise history post-merger.
No. 4 – Josh McDaniels (11-17 Record)
Just above Hackett on the list is another familiar name—Josh McDaniels. His stint in Denver began with a controversial bang. McDaniels inherited a high-powered offense led by Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler but promptly traded him away before coaching a single game. His authoritarian style and inflexible ego fractured relationships, including with star receiver Brandon Marshall.
Despite a promising 6–0 start, McDaniels’ Broncos quickly imploded, finishing 8–8 in year one and starting year two with mounting issues. His final blow came via a videotaping scandal, mirroring “Spygate” allegations from his Patriots days. Though he drafted talents like Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas, McDaniels is remembered more for dismantling than building.