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Denver Broncos: 5 head coach candidates to replace Vance Joseph

By Sayre Bedinger

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field during warmups prior to their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field during warmups prior to their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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STANFORD, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Denver Broncos general manager and executive vice president of football operations John Elway (R) talks to Stanford football head coach David Shaw during the Broncos practice at Stanford Stadium on February 4, 2016 in Stanford, California. The Broncos will play the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
STANFORD, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Denver Broncos general manager and executive vice president of football operations John Elway (R) talks to Stanford football head coach David Shaw during the Broncos practice at Stanford Stadium on February 4, 2016 in Stanford, California. The Broncos will play the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. David Shaw

Relationships matter in the NFL.

John Elway is a Stanford alum, and obviously has close ties to the football program, led by head coach David Shaw.

Shaw is an incredibly bright and insightful coach who has done a phenomenal job taking the place of Jim Harbaugh. He’s been an assistant coach in the NFL before but was never a head coach until he took the job with Stanford.

He’s been named Pac 12 coach of the year four times and has helped lead the Cardinal to a record of 81-26.

Prior to being named head coach at Stanford, he was the team’s offensive coordinator and coached running backs and receivers.

Shaw, in addition to being the type of leader at head coach the Broncos need, is an offensive-minded coach who understands how to adapt to changes in the way the game is played.

He would be a phenomenal candidate but would he leave Stanford, where he’s being paid $6 million per season?

That’s a tough job to give up, especially with how well he’s done. Shaw has great job security at Stanford and the pressure is certainly on in the NFL, but he’s just 46 years old and seems ready for the challenge of the next level.

I always love listening to Shaw’s evaluation of the college players when he does work with NFL Network during the NFL Draft. He would also have a huge advocate in the building for whoever scouts Pac 12 players for the Broncos, as that has been one of the most heavily represented conferences on the Broncos’ roster over the past few years.

Perhaps Elway’s relationship and history with Shaw can give the Broncos an advantage here.

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