Denver Broncos: Options to replace John Elway as general manager

Denver Broncos GM candidate Louis Riddick. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos GM candidate Louis Riddick. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Rick Smith
Dec 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith talks with fans before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos GM candidates to replace Elway

9. Rick Smith (formerly Texans)

From 1996-2006, Rick Smith was with the Denver Broncos’ organization as an assistant defensive backs coach and then director of pro personnel.

In 2006, he left the Broncos along with Gary Kubiak to become part of the Houston Texans organization where he was named general manager.

Smith spent 2006-17 with the Texans’ organization and stepped away in 2017 when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bill O’Brien ended up taking his place as GM of the team and the Texans once again have a vacancy.

Smith’s time on task in the NFL as a GM and a fairly successful one with Houston as well as his significant history in Denver makes him an intriguing candidate.

10. Terry Fontenot (Saints)

Terry Fontenot is the director of pro scouting with the New Orleans Saints, an organization he has been with for 16 seasons.

He has a significant role in recommending roster moves all throughout the season, scouting not only for free agency but throughout the season when it comes to waiver pickups and evaluating talent from other professional leagues.

Fontenot is getting plenty of run in this circuit of NFL teams looking to hire prospective general managers, so perhaps the Broncos will give him a call.

He has worked a number of jobs in New Orleans’ front office and that is one of the franchises in the NFL that has had a ton of success in the last couple of decades.