Nathaniel Hackett, Cardinals Reportedly Agree to Contract as OC on Mike LaFleur's Staff

The Arizona Cardinals are hiring veteran NFL assistant Nathaniel Hackett to serve as the offensive coordinator under new head coach Mike LaFleur, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Hackett had agreed to become the Miami Dolphins' quarterbacks coach under new head coach Jeff Hafley last week, but he will join the Cards in a bigger role instead.

The 46-year-old Hackett has significant NFL OC experience, serving in that role with the Buffalo Bills from 2013 to 2014, Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2018, Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2021 and New York Jets from 2023 to 2024.

During his time as Green Bay's OC, Hackett coached under head coach Matt LaFleur, who is Mike LaFleur's brother.

After spending 15 games as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 and parts of two seasons as the Jets' offensive coordinator, Hackett returned to Green Bay this season as a defensive analyst.

Mike LaFleur, who was the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator under Sean McVay for the past three seasons, has already gone on record as saying he will call the offensive plays in Arizona.

LaFleur will perhaps benefit from having a seasoned OC and former NFL head coach in Hackett alongside him as he embarks on his first NFL head coaching opportunity.

The Cards have no shortage of offensive talent, led by star tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, the latter of whom is coming off his first career 1,000-yard receiving season.

However, it isn't yet known who will be throwing those weapons the ball in 2026 and beyond.

Quarterback Kyler Murray missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in November that sources believed "a separation is imminent" between Murray and the Cardinals this offseason.

Journeyman veteran Jacoby Brissett could be the starter next season after starting most of this season, or the Cardinals could look to land another quarterback via free agency, trade or the draft.

Regardless of who is under center, the Cardinals are now equipped with some quality offensive minds in LaFleur and Hackett, which brings hope to a franchise that has missed the playoffs in four consecutive seasons and nine of the past 10.