ESPN's Stephen A. Smith laments Broncos' coaching hire: 'As a Black man, it is sickening'

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ESPN hot-take artist Stephen A. Smith fired off his opinion about the Denver Broncos’ reported decision to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their next head coach.

Multiple reports indicated on Thursday the Broncos were set to name Hackett their head coach in place of Vic Fangio, who was fired at the end of the season.

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Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy gestures during the AFC Championship game, in Kansas City, Missouri, on Jan. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Smith took issue with the Broncos hiring Hackett, who is White, while Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, who is Black, was overlooked. The NFL has been on the receiving end of some heat following the dismissal of a few Black head coaches, leaving Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin as the lone Black head coach in the league.

Smith pointed to Bienemy having the same presence as Hackett in their respective offenses – not exactly calling plays but putting together the playbook designs.

Smith said he understood the hire if it was going to bring the team Aaron Rodgers, who the Broncos had been rumored to be interested in trading for in last year’s offseason.

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Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett watches before the Washington Football Team game at Lambeau Field on Oct. 24, 2021, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

"It’s just a damn shame when I see something like this. In regards to Eric Bieniemy and his resume, and then you put that up against Nathaniel Hackett’s resume because the