Justin Simmons says ‘foundation is there’ for Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons’ words about the Denver Broncos following their season finale may only hold true on one condition–hiring the right staff.
In the week following the Denver Broncos‘ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs to end the regular season, there has been a lot of activity. Following the loss on Saturday that resulted in a 7-10 finish for the Broncos and yet another last-place bid in the AFC West, the Broncos started the annual “Black Monday” tradition early and by Sunday morning, Vic Fangio had been informed he would not be returning to the team.
In the days that have followed, the Broncos have secured numerous interviews for the head coaching vacancy, with notable names such as Dan Quinn, Eric Bienemy, Jerod Mayo, Brian Callahan, and others, with at least 10 interviews taking place. However, with many of the candidates coaching in the postseason, most of the interviews will not take place until their respective team has been eliminated from playoff action.
So far, the team has completed interviews with Aaron Glenn (Defensive Coordinator-Detroit Lions), Nathaniel Hackett (Offensive Coordinator- Green Bay Packers), and Luke Getsy (Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator-Green Bay Packers).
Following the regular season loss, Justin Simmons addressed the state of the team in his post-game presser (quotes via Broncos PR)
"I think the foundation is there. Nobody wants to hear that, but it is. You have to have that. When you have that and have the right guys in the building, the right guys leading, the right guys following, from top-down it just works.Justin Simmons"
Of course, as one of the top team leaders and arguably the new face of the Denver Broncos’ franchise, Simmons is always going to know just what to say to continue to inspire his teammates and fans. Simmons is also correct in what he says–there is definitely a foundation there, and much of it rests on the shoulders of Simmons and the young group of men working to be better week in and week out.
However, without the right coaching staff, this foundation will crumble.
As the Denver Broncos search for their head coach, they must keep in mind that the wrong hire, as with the last two coaching regimes, could set this team back seasons once again. Of course, general manager George Paton is not a fortune teller. He cannot see the future, and can’t travel forward in time before making his decision. However, Paton must do his due diligence and take his time in selecting the perfect candidate for this team that has missed the playoffs each year following their victory in Super Bowl 50.
The right staff will make or break this football team, and this franchise is entering a sense of urgency with each losing season that piles up, or each season back on the hunt for another quarterback. This offseason, the Broncos are doing both. Of course, the head coach hunt could resolve both issues (Nathaniel Hackett, anyone?), but for now, the team must focus on bringing in a true leader, and the rest will fall into place.
Overall, for Justin Simmons to firmly believe this team has a solid foundation and potential to return to its winning ways is huge, but right now, that foundation could either be further built upon or severely compromised. It is up to George Paton and the front office to make the decision on what will happen.
The head coach hiring could either develop this franchise full of potential into a powerhouse or set it back another five years.
Time will tell once the Denver Broncos have found their head coach.