Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos unceremoniously dropped first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett in a move many believe was made due to the struggles of quarterback Russell Wilson. However, when speaking with reporters this week, Broncos general manager George Paton dispelled those assumptions. 

“I don’t think we made a coaching move based on Russ,” Paton said, per ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “That wasn’t what it was all about, that’s not why we’re getting a new coach to turn around Russ.” 

While Paton may not admit it, letting go of Hackett has everything to do with Wilson. After all, the Broncos have practically all their eggs in the quarterback’s basket. Not only did Denver give up a haul, including two first-round picks, to trade for Wilson, but preceded to also ink the 34-year-old to a five-year, $242 million contract.  

Despite his disastrous first season in Denver, Wilson says his expectations are “higher than everybody else’s,” with his mission still being to win multiple Super Bowls with the Broncos. But if the Broncos are to turn the corner with Wilson in tow, former general manager Mike Lombardi believes the team needs to have a stern talk with the quarterback first. 

Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” this week, Lombardi raised concerns about Wilson’s “entitlement” amid rumors of special treatment, such as extra parking spots at games and an office at the Broncos’ facility. 

“Somebody has to have a man-to-man conversation with Russell because he didn’t play well,” Lombardi said. “The longer you give into the player that doesn’t play well, you hurt your team. You create a culture that you can’t sustain.” 

According to NFL Hall of Famer and FS1 “Undisputed” host Shannon Sharpe, Wilson’s teammates have already grown tired of his attitude. 

“You ticked off a lot of people with your attitude, bro,” Sharpe said. “You can come out here and talk about how we’re a team, and I’m good with my teammates, but deep down inside, they’re seething.”