The Denver Broncos coaching search in 2022 landed on Nathaniel Hackett, bringing in the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator to revitalize the offense. A few months later, Hackett is in jeopardy of being one of the NFL coaches fired in 2022.

Hired on Jan. 27, 2022, many viewed Hackett as the bait that would entice quarterback Aaron Rodgers to demand a trade to Denver. Instead, Rodgers stayed in Green Bay and the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks for Russell Wilson.

Entering the season with optimism, things quickly spun out of control for Denver. Hackett’s inexperience showed immediately. Horrible time management in Week 1 cost the Broncos in their season-opening loss to Seattle. Hackett later acknowledged he made the wrong call, but the issues persisted.

• Nathaniel Hackett record: 2-5, 0-for-3 on challenges

Making matters worse, the Broncos’ offense is one of the worst units in the NFL this season. Through its first seven games, Denver ranked last in scoring (14.3 PPG), 23rd in total yards (328.6 ypg) and 30th in third-down conversion rate (30.4%).

While it’s rare, there is a history of NFL coaches fired after one season. The Houston Texans fired David Culley in January after his lone season at the helm, while Urban Meyer was dismissed by the Jacksonville Jaguars with cause.

There are no guarantees that Hackett is fired after less than a full year, but it wouldn’t be unprecedented. With that in mind, let’s examine four potential Denver Broncos coaching candidates who could replace Hackett.

Denver Broncos hire Dan Quinn

During the last Broncos coaching search, it came down to Hackett and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Ultimately, the decision seemed to be influenced by the need to entice a star quarterback to Denver. If general manager George Paton gets a second chance, Quinn should be the overwhelming favorite to become Denver’s next head coach.

Quinn doesn’t necessarily fix the Broncos’ problems on offense. However, this is a veteran coach who is beloved by players in the locker room and knows how to handle in-game situations. He would need to hire the right offensive coordinator, but the Broncos could help influence that. One thing is for certain, Quinn will be among the likely candidates to replace Hackett if a move comes.

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has generated massive buzz around the NFL in the past two seasons. He received a few head-coaching interviews in 2021 and then became a mind multiple teams insisted on bringing into the interview room in 2022. Expect him to be among the NFL coaches hired in 2023.

He interviewed with Denver, but he didn’t become a finalist for the position. In the months since his return to Philadelphia, Gannon is coordinating one of the best defenses in football. The Eagles’ defense allowed the secon-fewest yards per play (4.7), the lowest scoring rate (23.8%), it ranks ninth in hurries (24) and allowed the lowest average QB rating (66.) through Week 7.

The 39-year-old defensive coordinator is connecting with a roster that has a balance of Pro Bowl veterans and young players with talent who needs excellent coaching. He draws up versatile defenses, creating game plans each week that adapt to different quarterbacks and keep opponents off balance. There’s also a possibility that if Eagles’ offensive coordinator Shane Steichen remains in Philadelphia, Gannon could get quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson to serve as his offensive coordinator and play-caller.