Denver Broncos: Dan Quinn and Russell Wilson marriage in Denver?

With recent reports that Russell Wilson would be interested in waiving his no-trade clause to come to the Denver Broncos, hiring Dan Quinn as the team’s next head coach becomes a viable option.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Russell Wilson could be open to waiving his no-trade clause to play for the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos were one of three teams mentioned, including the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints.

As it stands now, the Broncos have the best team of the three, possess the most projected 2022 cap space, and are in a different conference than Seattle.  Simply put, the Broncos present the best option for Russell Wilson if he truly desires to win at the highest level.

The main wrinkle in this potential Russ-Denver marriage is the Broncos’ head coach, Vic Fangio.

Fangio and Co. were essentially given a playoff mandate this season.  They are 6-6, sit one game out of the playoff race, and do have very winnable games on their schedule.

However, we have to consider the entire situation from both perspectives, Wilson’s and the Broncos.

Let’s say the Broncos sneak into the playoffs as the 7th and final Wild Card team at 9-8.  In this scenario, would the Broncos part ways with Vic Fangio after a playoff berth?  Fangio is an extremely valuable defensive mind and would get hired within days of getting fired from Denver.

George Paton has spoken very highly of Vic Fangio since arriving in Denver, and I think he’s genuine.  However, when the offseason comes around, what does the team do if Russell Wilson does not want to play for Vic Fangio?

What if Russ wants to play for someone else who has had more coaching success, like his former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn?

The Dan Quinn-Russell Wilson marriage, specifically to Denver has gained some steam within Broncos Country discussions.

Quinn, on the surface, would not be the sexy hire that many of us desire.  I think a lot of us are tired of the defensive veterans and would want a younger, offensive mind as head coach.

However, Quinn did enjoy moderate success during his first head coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons, and has had solid success as DC with the Seattle Seahawks, and has done excellent work with the Dallas Cowboys defense this season.

His defenses are usually very fast–they run to the ball quickly and often rely on splash plays to see success.

Defensive scheme aside, I believe a Dan Quinn and Russell Wilson combo in Denver is very realistic.

Typically, head coaches see better success during their second stint as head coach than their first.  See: Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, Gary Kubiak.  Just because a coach gets fired from their first stint, does not mean they can’t succeed during their next stint.

I think Dan Quinn can be someone who enjoys success during their second stint as head coach, especially if it’s with the Broncos, and especially if Russell Wilson becomes the team’s starting quarterback.

The Denver Broncos are set to have tons of cap space, have what appears to be an elite general manager, and have an exceptional offensive and defensive core under reasonable financial control for the next few years.

For those who would love to see DangerRuss in Denver, we may have to also get used to seeing Dan Quinn as the team’s next head coach.