Nathaniel Hackett isn’t expecting a call from an apologetic Sean Payton anytime soon.
The New York Jets offensive coordinator was disappointed by disparaging remarks made last week by the Denver coach in a story published by USA Today, calling Hackett’s 15-game stint with the Broncos last season “one of the worst coaching jobs”. in NFL history.”
Hired by the Jets during the offseason, Hackett said Payton — without ever naming him — broke an unwritten code among coaches with his public criticism.
“Before we start, I just want to say something really quick,” Hackett said Tuesday to open his first training camp press conference. “Last week has obviously been a very unique week, I think, for this organization. And I’ve been involved in this business all my life, 43 years. And as a coach, as a child of a coach, we live in a glass house. We know that. We all live in different rooms. We all have a key to it.
“And it’s one of those things that there’s a code, there’s a way things are done in that house. And you know, this past week has been frustrating and sucks, but we’re all susceptible to it.’
Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett refuted Sean Payton’s comments on Tuesday
Sean Payton – the Broncos head coach – took over from Hackett at Denver earlier this offseason
Payton, who is back on the sidelines after a year-long sabbatical, criticized the work Hackett and his staff did during Denver’s 5-12 season, saying there were “20 dirty hands” around Russell Wilson’s worst year.
Hackett acknowledged that he made some mistakes in his first stint as NFL head coach: “I own all of those things. …I have no excuses’ – but I was annoyed by Payton saying what he did.
“It’s a shame that had to happen, that the comments that were made,” Hackett said. But hey, I’ll tell you, I was probably more surprised that they happened now. I definitely expected them in week 5 (when the teams play this season). So I’m almost thankful we got that out of the way.”
Payton said last Friday that he regretted belittling his predecessor in the interview and taking pictures of the Jets, and that he would see Hackett and New York head coach Robert Saleh “at the right time.” to call.
Hackett said Tuesday that he had not heard from Payton. He was then asked if he expected the Broncos coach to apologize.
“No,” Hackett said bluntly. He was then asked if he would answer if Hackett called.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (R) defended Hackett in light of Payton’s comments
Robert Saleh said he expected Payton’s comments to come in Week 5, when both teams match
“I’ve never met that man, so let’s cut it out,” Hackett said. ‘That was last week. We can assume. The same glass house.’
Saleh said last Thursday that Hackett is “doing a phenomenal job here” when asked about Payton’s comments. He also said that the Jets are only focused on themselves, but that he acknowledges that “there are a lot of people who hate us and a lot of people want us to fail.”
Rodgers told the NFL Network on Sunday that he thought Payton’s comments were “out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”
Rodgers echoed those comments Tuesday, saying he has “a lot of love for Nathaniel” and was bothered by what Payton said.
“I think there were a lot of people who felt that way,” Rodgers said. “I think a lot of people were surprised by the comments.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and you don’t have to like it – and I didn’t like it at all. That’s why I say what I said.’
Hackett smiled when asked if he’s looking forward to the Jets’ matchup with the Broncos on October 8.
“Just another game,” he said.