Kyle Shanahan vs. Vance Joseph: A head to head comparison

Comparing the top two head coaching options for the Denver Broncos: Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan…

Well Broncos fans, here we are at the start of 2017 and my oh my how things have changed over the past year. We’ve gone from defending world champions to missing the playoffs. Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler to Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch. From Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips to…who knows?

Moments after Gary Kubiak announced his retirement from coaching, a couple of names immediately jumped to the top of John Elway’s wish list: Kyle Shanahan and Vance Joseph. Let’s take a look at two of the Broncos top choices.

Kyle Shanahan:

Kyle Shanahan, the choice that officially makes me feel old. I grew up watching Mike Shanahan roam the Broncos sidelines. Seeing his son Kyle now a legitimate option to be the head man makes me feel a little old but when you look at his track record, he may very well be the best option to lead this team.

Shanahan led offenses have finished in the top 10 in total yards 6 out of the 9 years he has been in charge. After watching the Broncos offense sputter the past two years this would be a nice change of pace. To think about what this team could accomplish with a combination of the current defense to go with an offense that can win on its own gives me goosebumps.

There may be some concern as to whether Kyle would want to step into his father’s shadow in the Mile High City, but all indications are that he is interested. Given his work with Matt Ryan, a pairing with either Siemian or Lynch could be intriguing.

Vance Joseph

More from Predominantly Orange

• Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
• Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
• Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
• The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
• Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC

Vance Joseph came very close to being the Broncos’ coach in 2015, losing out to Gary Kubiak. Joseph is very well-respected around the league and is seen as one of the NFL’s brightest young coaches. Known as a man who relates well to his players and who is a tremendous X’s and O’s guy he is truly a head coach in waiting.

While no one will argue that the Dolphins haven’t exactly set the world on fire with their defensive performance this season, they have had to overcome a laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. And the Dolphins are in the playoffs this year in no small part due to the Joseph led defense.

The Broncos’ have reportedly been given permission to speak with Joseph, however NFL rules prohibit coaches in the first round of the playoffs to interview so the Broncos will have to wait until next week at the earliest.

I loved the Broncos getting Gary Kubiak a few seasons ago because of his ties to the team and the community. It made winning here a little more personal. I think Kyle Shanahan could be the same thing. However we know that Elway likes Vance Joseph already and getting either one of these two young minds would be a steal.

So Broncos Country, which one do you want? Or do you have another coach in mind? Let me know in the comments!