Champ Bailey is one of two players on the Broncos' defense who will have his seventh coordinator in seven years. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

One of the top story lines heading into last week’s NFC Championship Game was the hindered development of San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith.  Coming out of college at Utah, he was the first pick of the NFL draft and was shouldered with high exceptions that he would return their franchise to the glory days of Joe Montana and Steve Young.  Seven years and seven offensive coordinators later, Smith had finally led his squad to the brink of the Super Bowl.

Is it any wonder that it took him so long to fulfill the expectations of a first round draft pick?  Every year a new offensive coordinator would come in and change what had been established the year prior.  What could a bit of consistency do for his development?

 “Each man had a new idea of how an NFL offense should look and how Smith fit into their system.  Some liked Smith more than others.  Every spring meant a new playbook.” -Gregg Rosenthal, NBC Sports

 This spring will mean a new defensive playbook for the Denver Broncos.  Actually, like for Smith, it will be the seventh playbook in seven springs.  Two stalwart veterans of the Broncos’ defense, Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams will be in the same position the 49ers’ quarterback was in as the Broncos look to bring in their seventh defensive coordinator in seven years.

Before we look forward to what the Broncos should look for in a defensive coordinator, let’s take a look back at the last six men to lead the Broncos’ defense:

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With Jim Bates out of the picture, lets take a look at the Broncos new defensive coordinator. Bob Slowik, 53, has been in the league for nine seasons with four different teams. As a defensive assistant, Slowik usually stood quietly behind Bates offering words of encouragement only slightly louder than his normal speaking voice. Many players seem to be happy with their new defensive leader:

Nick Ferguson says, “one can lead without being fiery or overly energetic…You just have to get your point across to your players. Coach Slo can do that. It’s nice that they would promote from within so we don’t have all this disruption with guys having to learn a new defense.”

Domonique Foxworth also expresses his excitement saying, “We were hoping Coach Slowik would take over last year. It would be an easy transition, and guys really like playing for him.” (Denver Post)

Speaking of defense, former Broncos linebacker, Al Wilson, was cleared to play next season. Wilson suffered a neck injury in 2006 before being released by the Broncos. He is a free agent that will likely draw a lot of attention in the market, so don’t expect him back in Denver.

Finally, Champ Bailey made 2nd team all-pro after three straight years of making the 1st team. With a losing record, it’s hard to argue the selection.

Defensive coach, Jim Bates, left the organization in a peaceful manner saying, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity and very saddened that things did not work out. I had the opportunity to stay…and the final decision, for the Broncos and for me, was to step aside.” (Mason’s Morsels).

Is that why John Lynch might decide to postpone retirement?

The fill-in for Bates is Bob Slowik who was the Broncos defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach last season (Rocky Mountain News).

What’s the word? Did Jim Bates deserve one more season with the Broncos to prove himself, or did the 7-9 season and a 28th ranking in scoring allowance per game rightfully push him out the door? Either way, P.O. wishes him success in future endeavors…just not against the Broncos.