Asked how the LaFleur brothers compare, Hackett said there are “a lot of similarities” but “definitely differences” in how they operate.
“My experience in Green Bay with Matt was absolutely amazing. Matt is one of my dearest friends and I am so grateful for all the time I got to spend with him,” said Hackett. “Now I’m looking for the same experience with another LaFleur. So, just going to keep collecting these LaFleurs.”
Hackett said he’s happy with the role he’s been cast in, accepting the job after initially taking over this season as Miami’s quarterback before the Cardinals came calling. Even without play-calling responsibility, he takes on the role with the same approach of wanting everyone to be on the same page, philosophically.
“I don’t even look at it as a division. For me, my goal, no matter what the role, is for the entire staff to understand the scheme and be able to call the game exactly the same way,” Hackett said. “That’s really what you’re looking for.”
“It doesn’t matter who has the sheet, it doesn’t matter who has the microphone to the quarterback — everybody’s going to call it the same way. So I think it’s more about doing whatever I can do to help Mike get to that point (where) he has a ‘can’t stop me’ mentality and he feels it when he calls it on the play and can know that and that.”
Team management numbers will be a big topic of discussion in Arizona this offseason. Speculation surrounding Kyler Murray’s future has grown in recent weeks and months, raising doubts about what the bullpen will look like next season. Murray finished last season on the injured reserve and was limited to five games. He is scheduled to hit the Cardinals’ salary cap for more than $52 million in 2026.
While Hackett did not shed light on Murray’s future with the team, he spoke about the difficulty of playing quarterback in the NFL, calling it the toughest position to play in “any sport.” Hackett said it’s important for coaches to shore up the position the right way — with talent around them and a coaching staff that shields their QBs from outside noise.
“I think for me it’s always been about the relationship with them because there are so many ups and downs,” Hackett said. “They have to have something stable and they have to have a foundation that they can believe in and know that you will always be there with them and for them.”
“… I mean, they touch the ball every play. So, that’s one of those things for us, for any coach, it’s about supporting that position. Because when that position plays well, you’ve got a good football team.”
As for his general offensive philosophy, Hackett believes that explosiveness is important but not without consistency. This will come as music to the ears of Cardinals fans after a season where they lacked both.
“Got to love explosives – that’s why the fans go to the stands,” Hackett said. “We’re always looking for that, but there’s also a sense of efficiency. So everything you do in the foundation of a system is to be able to find efficiency and what those guys can hang their hat on.”