Denver Broncos head coach interview list is growing fast

The Denver Broncos are underway in their search for the team’s next head coach. Which candidates are already on the radar for interviews?

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos made the decision to move on from head coach Vic Fangio. On NFL Black Monday, the Broncos were busy lining up interview requests with prospective candidates.

Depending on how wide of a net you assumed general manager George Paton might cast going into the Broncos’ head coach search, you may or may not be surprised by some of the names on his list.

Paton told the media and Broncos Country on Sunday that he wanted to cast a wide net and make certain he was hiring the best person for the job.

Denver Broncos lining up interviews on NFL Black Monday 2022

Who are the candidates that Paton has tabbed already?

Let’s take a look through the list, in no particular order.

1. Jerod Mayo, Patriots LB coach

Mayo is one of the younger head coach candidates in this cycle and he’s known for his big-time energy and leadership skills. He’s a former first-round pick and Super Bowl champ as a player who is still just three years into his coaching career.

Interestingly enough, the Denver Broncos also interviewed Brian Flores in their last head coach search before they ultimately hired Vic Fangio.

Even if Mayo doesn’t get the Broncos’ head coaching job, he could be a candidate to join the next head coach as a defensive coordinator.

2. Dan Quinn, Cowboys DC

It’s crucial to keep in mind that there was once a time when Dan Quinn wanted to join forces with George Paton but Paton didn’t want to leave Minnesota.

Quinn is considered by some to be the front-runner for the Broncos’ head coaching vacancy and for good reason. He’s a good coach who has done an outstanding job this year in Dallas, he was phenomenal as a coordinator in Seattle, and he made it to a Super Bowl as the Falcons’ head coach.

Paton emphasized a desire for leadership with his next hire and Quinn is certainly a strong candidate in that regard.

3. Kellen Moore, Cowboys OC

There’s no doubt that Moore would be an intriguing hire from an offensive scheme perspective. The “McVay” talk might be over the top considering how charismatic McVay is and the kind of culture builder he has been for the Rams. Who knows how Moore would operate as the leader of an entire team, but he’s the son of a coach, was wildly successful as a college QB, and has been great as an NFL OC.

As opposed to a McVay type of coach, I think Kellen Moore could be the Broncos’ version of a guy like Zac Taylor.

4. Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs OC

NFL reporters, analysts, pundits, and fans alike seem to wonder aloud on an annual basis why Bieniemy does not have a head coaching job already.

He’s obviously been part of some great things with the Chiefs but doesn’t get much credit. That all goes to Andy Reid.

Still, it feels like his opportunity to be a head coach is long past due. Although the previous regime in Denver (John Elway, Matt Russell) may not have liked Bieniemy as an option, George Paton — who knows him from their time in Minnesota together — might.

5. Nathaniel Hackett, Packers OC

https://twitter.com/packers/status/1400230070174814209

The Broncos are looking for leadership qualities from their next head coach, and I think Nathaniel Hackett is certainly one candidate that exemplifies that. At least from an energy standpoint, this guy is fun to watch and listen to.

He’s beloved by Aaron Rodgers, and Hackett may not be the most well-known candidate but he’s a good one.

George Paton said that he is going to give candidates the chance to essentially prove themselves in the interview process and I find it hard to imagine a candidate putting together a better presentation than this guy.

16 Denver Broncos head coach options with Vic Fangio out

The Denver Broncos have moved in from head coach Vic Fangio after three seasons. Who are some candidates to replace him in the Mile High City?

We’ll see if he can win Paton over.