It’s never too late to come back home—this notion applies not only to personal connections but also to football. Former Green Bay Packers assistant coach Nathaniel Hackett is back, not as an offensive coordinator this time, but as a defensive assistant under head coach Matt LaFleur.

Hackett, who had previously served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 through 2021, will bring his vast experience to the defense, where he aims to enhance their strategies. During his initial stint, the team clinched consecutive NFC championship games and achieved remarkable offensive success, showcasing an average of 27.2 points per game, ranking fifth in the league.

His time in Green Bay was marked by a dynamic offensive unit, largely driven by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who earned back-to-back NFL MVP awards during that period. Notably, Hackett was instrumental in developing the red zone strategy, which saw the Packers maintaining a 67.2% touchdown rate.

After a challenging tenure as the head coach for the Denver Broncos, Hackett returned to co-offensive coordinator roles with the New York Jets before rejoining the Packers. This season, he draws parallels with Luke Getsy, who successfully transitioned roles from quarterbacks coach to an offensive position after his departure.

LaFleur expressed confidence in Hackett’s ability to bring a “fresh perspective” to the defense, as he integrates with the coaching staff and reviews film in collaboration with the linebackers. This exchange of insight is a practice previously observed by LaFleur during his time with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, where he noted the benefits of having coaches from different specialties collaborate.

As Hackett acclimatizes back to Green Bay, his guidance is expected to bolster the defense’s effectiveness, especially in the red zone where they previously encountered difficulties. Given his wealth of experience, Hackett’s involvement could be the catalyst needed for the Packers to reclaim their past success and strive for a championship run.