If John Fox Is Fired, Who Should Replace Him?

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos’ head coach John Fox surprisingly made headlines earlier this week in regards to the future of his job.

It was wasn’t good news, unfortunately, that was reported via Woody Paige of the Denver Post.

"“John Fox is coaching for his job. If the Broncos don’t reach, and win, the Super Bowl this year, Fox will be gone. His teams have lost four of five times to the Patriots (even though he said last Sunday he wasn’t there last season), and he and his staff have been outcoached in five big games. Fox, who told me he wants to end his career in Denver in his 60s, turns 60 in 2015.”"

Now, this really is nothing more than one man’s opinion.

Although, Paige does have something to his not-so crazy notion.

Fox has been walking a relatively thin line the past two seasons. He’s been a solid head coach during his four-year tenure with the team, but, like Paige said, he’s been outcoached in almost all of the Broncos’ biggest games.

The 2013 Division Round playoff showdown against the Baltimore Ravens was a complete nightmare. Virtually all of his regular season matchups with the Patriots have been losses, including this year’s 43-21 dud in Foxborough. Do I even need to mention the complete and utter embarrassment that was Super Bowl 48?

“Foxy” truly does have numerous significant victories under his belt and has never missed the playoffs since arriving in Denver. His overall win-loss record currently sits at 44-19, which really is outstanding. The rest of AFC West has cowered in the shadows of Fox as he’s beat up on the division to the tune of three straight divisional titles, with a fourth currently in the making.

Fox has been consistent and wins games in bunches, but can no longer hide from his playoff shortcomings. Finishing 13-3 back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013, and not coming home with the Lombardi Trophy in either season is unacceptable, more so when the teams he’s had to coach are basically all-star squads.

This season, there’s honestly no good reason that Fox shouldn’t be able to lead his Broncos to the Super Bowl and come out victorious. On paper, this is the most talented team in the NFL and it’s not close. No other contender can match the Broncos position to position. Only Tom Brady and the Patriots stand in the way of their championship aspirations. If the good guys are able to gain back home field advantage for the playoffs, then Broncos Country might as well book their tickets for Glendale, Arizona.

If Foxy cannot get the job done and come back to Denver a Super Bowl champion, then he can expect to be shown the door by general manager John Elway.

The Broncos would have plenty of options to turn to if Fox is fired, and it would be curious to see as to who Elway would hire.

In no particular order, here’s a short list of candidates for the possible head coaching vacancy.