Nathaniel Hackett fired after Broncos collapse Christmas Day against the Rams Nathaniel Hackett’s disappointing season in Denver has come to an end. The Broncos fired the first-year head coach on Monday, according to a statement from team owner and CEO Greg Penner. “Following extensive conversations with (general manager) George (Paton) and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos," Penner said in a statement. "This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.