Jaguars OC Nathaniel Hackett Fired After 2-Plus Seasons

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistNovember 26, 2018

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett celebrates with Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jaguars beat the Bills 10-3. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

The Jacksonville Jaguars and head coach Doug Marrone fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on Monday.

#DUUUVAL @Jaguars
We have relieved Nathaniel Hackett of his duties as offensive coordinator. https://t.co/Uo1STVn3aa

Hackett told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network he was surprised by Marrone's decision:

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
Spoke with ex-#Jags OC Nate Hackett, who thought he was being called in to discuss a QB change. Instead he was out. “It wasn’t anything negative, (Marrone) just decided to make a move. I guess he didn’t think I was good enough, that’s the only thing I can think of. It’s a shock."

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
“I knew Doug had thought about it. I guess the football Gods had it out for me. We started off hot, had so many injuries, we were a completely different team. Guys busted their butts, but you can only do so much. I wish I could’ve figured something out.” — Nathaniel Hackett.

Under Hackett, the Jaguars rank 22nd in yards per game (346.5) and 28th in points per game (17.9) this season. The Jaguars finished 23rd in yards per game in 2016 and 25th in points, but those numbers increased significantly in 2017 to sixth and fifth, respectively.

Hackett had his challenges this season. Star running back Leonard Fournette, for one, has missed a number of games to injury. The team isn't rife with dynamic weapons in the passing game. And quarterback Blake Bortles continues to play mediocre football, leaving many to conclude that perhaps he's the bigger issue in Jacksonville than Hackett was this past season:

Daniel Popper @danielrpopper
Nathaniel Hackett had some really bad games this season and probably deserved to be fired. London, in particular, was inexplicable. But the real problem is Blake Bortles. This franchise, for whatever reason, refuses to acknowledge the obvious. #Jaguars

Andy Benoit @Andy_Benoit
#Jaguars picked the wrong scapegoat. Hackett is one of football's most respected offensive minds.

Brent Martineau @BrentASJax
Hard not to note with Blake Bortles at QB: Fisch, Olson, Hackett in less than 5 years - all let go. #Jaguars

Hackett is the first domino to fall for an organization that could make major changes after the 2018 season. A year after reaching the AFC Championship Game, the Jaguars are 3-8, losers of seven straight and arguably the most disappointing team of the season around the NFL.

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