Green Bay Packers: Grading the Coaching Staff
By Matt LeVene
Nathaniel Hackett
The Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator has finally been getting the notoriety he deserves. Nathaniel Hackett has done wonders with the offense, specifically in the red zone. Although he is not the primary play caller, Hackett plays a vital role in devising and implementing the offensive game plan. Through the first 15 games of this season, his schemes and overall offensive strategies have been wildly successful.
The Packers have been one of the best rushing, passing, and overall scoring offenses in the NFL. On top of that Aaron Rodgers has been thriving in this offense and will potentially take home the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.
So, similar to LaFleur, Hackett has obviously had a pretty good year. From an overhead view this is clear, but when you take a deep dive into certain aspects of the Packer’s offense, Hackett looks even better. The Red Zone, or as the Packers’ call it, the “Gold Zone,” has been where Hackett has been at his absolute best.
The Packers currently lead the league in Red Zone Touchdown percentage with an astounding 78.43%. For comparison, the offensive juggernaut of the Kansas City Chiefs have a Red Zone touchdown percentage of 59.3%.
Similar to LaFleur, Hackett is loved throughout the locker room as well. Numerous players have been very outspoken on their favorable opinions of their offensive coordinator. Hackett will likely get some interviews for head coaching jobs throughout the league, but Green Bay should aim to retain him into next season.
Grade: A+
Now, let’s move onto the defensive side of the ball with Mike Pettine.