Denver Broncos fire head coach Nathaniel Hackett after loss to LA Rams | NFL news

Denver Broncos: “On behalf of our ownership community and organization, I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family the best in the future.”

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Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams highlights from Week 16 of the NFL season

The Denver Broncos have fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett following a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day.

Cam Akers ran for three touchdowns, Baker Mayfield threw for two more as the Rams thoroughly embarrassed the Denver Broncos (4-11) in California.

Owner and general manager Greg Penner said he will lead the search for a new coach with the help of GM George Paton, whom he expressed confidence in Monday when he announced Hackett’s firing.

Hackett’s firing after two games into a losing season allows Penner to begin his search for a replacement immediately.

The Walton-Penner Group bought the Broncos for $4.65 billion last summer, a world record for a professional sports franchise.

On Sunday, the Broncos (4-11) blew out the lowly Los Angeles Rams 51-14 as Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times.

The play featured a sideline spat between backup QB Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner, and pitcher Randy Gregory threw a punch at a Rams player after the play.

Wilson has had a terrible first season in Denver after the Broncos sent four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle in exchange for the nine-time Pro Bowler.

Wilson has 12 touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 49 sacks in 13 starts and hasn’t broken out of a season-long slump.

Hackett replaced Vic Fangio last January, but hasn’t been able to build an offense that fits Wilson. The Broncos have missed the playoffs in each of the last seven seasons, extending their losing streak to six.

A statement from the Broncos read: “I would like to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family the best in the future.”

“After extensive discussions with George and our ownership group, we decided that a new direction would ultimately be in the best interests of the Broncos. This change has now been made out of respect for all parties involved and will allow us to begin the search for a new head coach immediately.

“We recognize and appreciate the championship history of this organization, and we understand that we have not met that standard. Our fans deserve much better, and I cannot say enough about their loyalty during such a challenging period for our team.”