by In a move that has the NFL world buzzing and Arizona fans doing a double-take, the rebuilding era in the desert has taken a cinematic twist. The news is official: the Arizona Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC to lead their offense under new head coach Mike LaFleur. This high-stakes hire, finalized on February 4, 2026, marks a massive “all-in” moment for a franchise looking to claw its way out of the NFC West basement after a disappointing 3-14 season.
Reunited and It Feels So… Familiar?
The primary driver behind this move is the deep-rooted connection between the coaching staff. By making the decision to Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC, Mike LaFleur is bringing in a veteran voice he knows intimately. Hackett previously served as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay under Mike’s older brother, Matt LaFleur, from 2019 to 2021. This “family business” approach suggests the Cardinals are looking for a seamless transition into the LaFleur-Shanahan system that has dominated the league in recent years.
The “Gold Member” of Experience
While Hackett’s recent stints in Denver and New York were met with heavy criticism, his resume isn’t without its “gold” moments. When the Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC, they are acquiring a coach who oversaw back-to-back MVP seasons for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. He also orchestrated the league’s top rushing attack in Jacksonville back in 2017. Arizona is betting that without the burden of head coaching duties or primary play-calling (which Mike LaFleur plans to handle), Hackett can focus on his true strength: game planning and player development.
Nathaniel Hackett: A Journey Through the Trenches
| Team | Role | Key Achievement |
| Green Bay Packers | OC | 2x NFL MVP (Aaron Rodgers) |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | OC | AFC Championship Appearance (2017) |
| Denver Broncos | HC | 15-game tenure (2022) |
| Arizona Cardinals | OC | Hired February 2026 |
The Kyler Murray (or Rookie?) Question
The biggest challenge awaiting the new staff is the quarterback room. As the Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC, the NFL community is watching closely to see if this signals a commitment to Kyler Murray or a pivot toward a new face with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Hackett has a reputation for being a “quarterback whisperer” in the right environment, and his ability to tailor a system to a mobile threat will be tested immediately in the desert heat.
A Stolen Asset from the Dolphins
Interestingly, Hackett wasn’t just sitting by the phone; he was actually set to join the Miami Dolphins as their quarterbacks coach just days before this announcement. However, the allure of the coordinator title and the chance to run a room in Arizona changed everything. When the Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC, they essentially “stole” him from a potential rival, showing that Mike LaFleur is willing to be aggressive to get the specific experience he wants on his inaugural staff.
The Redemption Tour Starts Now
For Hackett, this isn’t just another job; it’s a career-defining opportunity for redemption. Many analysts felt his stock had tanked after the Jets’ struggles in 2023 and 2024, but the Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC gives him a fresh slate in a division that rewards offensive creativity. If he can help unlock the potential of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, “Hackett-ball” might just become the hottest ticket in Glendale.
Final Verdict: High Risk, High Reward
Arizona is making a statement that they value veteran experience and established relationships over the “bright young thing” of the week. Whether the Cardinals hire Nathaniel Hackett OC results in a high-flying aerial attack or another season of frustration remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Cardinals will not be boring. The “Dean” of the West Coast offense has a new classroom, and class is officially in session.
