Who’s next for the Denver Broncos? A look at future HC Candidates

Here we are, folks. It’s been a rough 15 weeks, but it appears that there is end in sight.  After a chaotic 4-11 tenure as the Broncos’ Head Coach, Nathaniel Hackett has been handed the dreaded pink slip.

Now that this move has come to pass, what’s the next step? Well, the Broncos have two games left to play.  With all due respect to Jerry Rosburg, his era as the interim HC will be brief.

Do the Broncos lean towards an offensive play caller to fix Russ? Are they inclined to find the next “up and coming” guy? Perhaps, the right answer is neither.  Today, we’ll take a look at a variety of candidates and make the case for why each one of them could be the next Head Coach of the Denver Broncos.

Let’s begin.

The Big Guys that could become the next Denver Broncos HC

Sean Payton (currently retired Saints HC)

Well, let’s get this one out of the way first. Do I think he’s coming to Denver? Probably not. However, he’s going to be the first (and flashiest) name thrown out there in this cycle.

Since stepping away from the New Orleans Saints at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Payton has been reportedly yearning for another opportunity.  In his 16 years leading the Saints, Payton compiled a 161-97 record (9-8 in the playoffs), seven division titles, and one Super Bowl win. Yeah, those stats will put you at the top of every conversation.

So where’s the pessimism coming from regarding his candidacy? Simply put, you’d have to give a fortune in order to secure his services.  Given the structure of his contract, it would appear that an interested team will have to give up draft picks AND a large financial offer in order to swipe the heralded coach away from NOLA.

If the Broncos are able to pull off such a move, bravo. However, it’s going to be a move that will tether this team to the coach for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, Russell Wilson has long been a fan of Payton’s. If you’re going to saddle a coach with a financially invested veteran QB, you better make sure they like each other.

To recap Sean Payton’s candidacy for the Denver Broncos

Pros

• Super Bowl winning Head Coach with several division titles and playoff wins
• Has a track record of working with shorter, athletic QB’s
• Highly respected coach with the ability to build a strong staff
• One of the best offensive play callers of this generation
• Will instantly command the respect of his players

Cons

• Is contractually tied to the Saints and will require a fortune to pry away
• Because of his status, he may be picky with his next job and decline the Broncos

Bottom Line: Is it possible he comes here? Sure. However,  I don’t think we should plan on it.

Let’s take a look at the other big fish in the search pond.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan HC

Like Payton, Jim Harbaugh has been the other big candidate reportedly swimming around an NFL return in recent years. Since his return to Michigan in 2015, many have speculated when he will make the rounds and be courted for another pro gig.

In his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh compiled a 44-19-1 record, three conference championship game appearances, and one Super Bowl appearance. Harbaugh has personified the tough, hard-nosed approach for the modern game.

His teams are known for their physicality, discipline, and tenacity.  Those qualities are all lacking in Dove Valley right now.  The challenge to a potential Harbaugh hire? Does he really want to return to the pros?

After flirting with the Minnesota Vikings last off-season, Harbaugh has gone on record to say that he’s done chasing NFL jobs.

Money talks, and in the case of the Broncos, they’re better equipped than anybody to throw the money bags at Harbaugh. The question is, how much is enough AND, does he want any control over personnel? With George Paton presumably staying on board for the next coaching cycle, it appears that any wishes of Harbaugh getting that power could be cloudy.

In all, let’s recap Jim Harbaugh’s candidacy.

Pros

• Highly successful coach with an immense amount of success at the college and pro level
• Known for coaching tough, disciplined, tenacious teams
• Has elevated every program he’s coached
• Instantly gives your team credibility and attitude

Cons

• Can you convince him that the Broncos are currently a better job than his job at Michigan
• Has been known to wear on his players/coaches. Rarely stays anywhere beyond 4-5 seasons
• Will be incredibly costly. Again, the Broncos have the pocket books to make it happen. Will his asking price be too rich for their liking?

Bottom Line: Overall, Harbaugh would be a great hire and fits the mold of what this team needs in a leader. It’s up to the team brass to win him over, if they choose to go that path.

Now, let’s take a look at some other “retread” coaches that could fit what the Broncos are looking for.

The Grizzled Veterans — Starting with Dan Quinn

If there was a presumed favorite in the clubhouse, it would be safe to assume that Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn is that guy. The former Falcons coach is well revered for his likability amongst his players and his ability to maximize their talent.

As if that wasn’t enough of a selling point, there are two LARGE connections that Dan Quinn has to the Denver Broncos. One, he has an extensive relationship with George Paton going back to their time together in Miami (2005-2006). The other, of course, is his time with Russell Wilson in Seattle (2013-2014).

As the architect of the vaunted “Legion of Boom” defense, Quinn was there for the peak of Seattle’s success. Not only does he have experience with Russ, but he was also with him when the Seahawks were at their most complete. He may be one of the few guys that can command Wilson’s respect AND trust.

Pros

• Has been a successful coordinator in Seattle and Dallas
• 46-44 record as the Head Coach of the Falcons (one Super Bowl appearance)
• Has strong ties around the league and can build a strong staff
• Has experience employing coaches with a wide zone scheme
• One of the few candidates with ties to Paton AND Wilson

Cons

• May have his choice of jobs. Could feel spurned after not landing the job last cycle
• Just because he has experience with Russ, does that mean he wants to work with him again?
• His Falcons team had a habit of blowing 2nd half leads

Bottom Line: Quinn is a strong candidate with a lot of ties to the team and will likely have his chance to win over the brass again.

Leslie Frazier (Buffalo Bills DC)

Perhaps nobody on this page will have a better concept of building a culture than Bills Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier.  Since arriving in Buffalo in 2017, Frazier has been a part of the league’s best team turnaround.  In that time, the Bills have won 3 straight AFC East titles and 5 playoff appearances.

The Bills have had one of the best defenses over that span and much of that is a credit to Frazier’s play-calling.  Before his time in Buffalo, Frazier spent time with Paton in Minnesota as the Vikings’ Head Coach from 2011-2013 (2010, as an interim).

Pros

• Highly respected coach known for his temperament
• Has been a part of a successful rebuild
• Former HC with ties to George Paton
• Has won a Super Bowl as a player (’85 Bears) and an assistant coach (’06 Colts)

Cons

• Is 63 years old. Does age play a factor in this search?
• Was already let go by Paton and Co. in Minnesota. Does the latter want to rekindle that relationship?

Bottom Line: Leslie Frazier has decades of NFL experience and is more than deserving of another shot at a Head Coaching position. Will it be a former colleague in Paton that affords him that opportunity?

Frank Reich (currently a coaching free agent)

If there was a supreme “QB whisperer” in the NFL, it would be Frank Reich.  The former backup QB has carved out a career as an elite play caller and QB coddler. Before his time in Indy, Reich guided an Eagles offense (led by Nick Foles) to an improbable win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52.

While that feat is impressive, it’s even more so when you consider that Foles was their backup QB. Frank Reich’s tenure in Indianapolis was spent treading water with a variety of different QBs.

After Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement in the 2019 preseason, Reich was tasked with winning using the following QBs- Jacoby Brissett, the ghost of Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Sam Ehlinger.

His record with said QBs? 30-27-1. Yeah, that’s a testament to his coaching.

No candidate is better equipped to morph an offense around its current QB than Frank Reich. He has an extensive track record of leading competitive teams, with a revolving cast of characters at offensive skill positions. The Colts’ recent slump further pushes that notion.

Pros

• Fantastic offensive mind with the ability to get the most out of his players
• Well-liked and respected figure around the league
• 40-33-1 record as the Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts (two playoff appearances)
• Is available to interview and put together a staff sooner than other candidates

Cons

• Is this job attractive to him?

Bottom Line: There may not be a more affable, moldable but intelligent offensive mind available than Frank Reich. If you are looking for someone to salvage Russell Wilson and turn around a struggling franchise, then Frank Reich might be the answer.

On the next page, we’ll continue to look at a few more experienced coaches that could be in the mix.

Reasonable Retreads for the Denver Broncos to consider

If you took a look at Raheem Morris’ resume, his may be the most varied (and intriguing). Throughout his career, Morris has coached all 3 phases of the game and at the prime young age of 32, was named the Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While his Bucs tenure fell short of expectations ( 17-31), he has gone above and beyond to earn another shot at being a Head Coach.

Since his tenure in Tampa, Morris has been an assistant coach under both Shanahans (He was Kyle’s Pass Game Coordinator in Atlanta), filled in as an interim HC for the Atlanta Falcons (4-7 record), and coordinated a Super Bowl winning Defense in the Los Angeles Rams. The guy has seen a lot, been through a lot, and appears more than ready to apply for another top job.

Perhaps the biggest selling point to his candidacy is his ties to the Broncos. Because of his tenure in LA, he has ties to Evero and much of the defensive staff. Not only that, his experience under the Shanahans has shown him how to run an offense similar to the one the Broncos employ right now. That might make him malleable to keeping Klint Kubiak and other successful coaches on staff.

Pros

• Well-decorated resume with Head Coaching experience (interim and full-time)
• Has worked with the Shanahan’s, McVay, and many on the current Bronco staff
• Can keep continuity on Defense, while giving the offensive staff a shot at experience
• Has been in the interview cycle as recently as last year and appears prime for another job
• Because of his employer, the Broncos can get in-depth knowledge on Morris via the Kroenke’s
• Only 46. An ideal age for a coach to get a 2nd chance

Cons

• Do you trust him to lead a team with a QB problem?
• Can he find the right play-caller to help fix Russ?

Bottom Line: He’s not going to be the favorite, but he might be an under-the-radar candidate that wins over the Broncos brass. With his resume and ability to keep positive continuity on Defense, he’s not someone to overlook in this search.

Jim Caldwell

 A “sexy hire” is not what I would call Jim Caldwell, but he might be one of the most rational.  The former Colts and Lions Head Coach has a long history of stabilizing the teams he’s coached for. He’s won two Super Bowls as an assistant and went to a third as the Colts’ Head Coach. He’s a calming voice in an otherwise frantic NFL environment.

Pros

• Been a HC at the college and pro level (Wake Forest, Colts, and Lions)
• 62-50 record as an NFL Head Coach
• Well respected and has fans in Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy
• Can bring a calm, experienced presence to a Bronco sideline

Cons

• Will be 68 in January. Is he too old?
• Had to step away from his last NFL job due to an illness
• Can you sell the fanbase on the hire?

Bottom Line: Jim Caldwell is a quality hire and could do wonders for a dysfunctional Bronco team, but are you able to sell his candidacy on a frustrated fanbase?

Let’s pivot to some of the younger guys available this cycle and see how their chances stack up against their experienced counterparts.

The young guns

Let me preface by saying that this group of candidates faces tall odds of actually landing the position. With three consecutive rookie hires (and fires), it appears extremely unlikely that the Broncos will go down that route again.

With that said, I’m going to point out a few facts about each candidate and why they may appeal to the Broncos.

Philadelphia Eagles Coordinators (Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon) 

• Both have had a hand in engineering the Eagles turnaround
• Both have their respective units’ top 10 statically in several categories
• Steichen has worked with a variety of QBs, ranging from Hurts to Herbert
• Gannon spent several years in Minnesota with Paton

Bottom Line: Both guys have earned their shots as NFL Head Coaches. Unfortunately, I just don’t see the fit (whether they want to come here or not).  I’m sure they will be interviewed but ultimately, I do not forecast either to end up in the Mile High city.

DeMeco Ryans, 49ers DC

• Former All-Pro Player that connects (and understands) his players
• Been a fast riser in the coaching ranks (started in 2017 as a Quality Control Coach)
• Coordinating the league’s best Defense
• Well-liked candidate that started getting interviews last year

Bottom Line: He’s a rising star that is soon to land a Head Coach gig. Like the two above him though, I just don’t see the fit in Denver.

Other Candidates: Brian Callahan, Eric Bieniemy, Ben Johnson, and Ken Dorsey. 

• All of them have coordinated some of the top-scoring offenses and have their teams in positions to contend
• Will all be considered for jobs this upcoming cycle (Callahan and Bieniemy interviewed with the Broncos last year)
• One, if not several of them, will emerge as the next “trendy offensive mind” to get the top gig

Bottom Line: This group will have their share of interviews this cycle, but I don’t expect any of them to be serious contenders in Denver.

Finally, let’s take look at a few candidates that might be surprise entries in the search.

The Wild Cards 

This group may not come to fruition (for a variety of reasons) but, any one of them could be on the Bronco’s shortlist in no time.

David Shaw

Let me start off by saying that I’m usually not a fan of college hires. For every Jim Harbaugh, there are five Matt Rhules.  With that out of the way, I think Harbaugh’s former lieutenant in David Shaw may be another rare exception.

The former Stanford Head Coach boasts an extensive coaching career that includes nearly a decade in the NFL. During his time in Palo Alto, he compiled a 96-54 record with several Pac-12 Championships.

His teams were known to be disciplined, tough, and coached akin to that of an NFL team. He spent a good chunk of his coaching tenure under Jim Harbaugh, so it’s safe to say that his philosophy on the game is similar to the Michigan coach.  Another big factor in Shaw’s potential candidacy is who he’s tied to at Dove Valley.

We have not one, or two, but THREE Stanford people in this current ownership group. With Greg Penner, Carrie Walton-Penner, and Condoleeza Rice all having connections to the University, it’s safe to say that they’ve had a few run-ins with Shaw. They’ve seen firsthand how Shaw shaped the Culture there and keep the program competitive for so long.

Pros

• Successful tenure as Stanford’s Head Coach
• Nearly a decade’s worth of NFL experience (Eagles, Raiders, Ravens)
• Known for building a strong, team-first culture
• Shares an alma mater with several people in the ownership group

Cons

• Do you trust a college coach to turn around an NFL team?
• He walked away from his job at Stanford. A sign of burnout?

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an authentic culture builder that can mesh well in Denver, David Shaw would be a good bet. The question is, can you be patient enough with his transition and vision for the team long term?

Kevin Stefanski

These next two candidates are a bit of a reach, but if they become available, I do believe that the Broncos could be interested. Let’s start with Stefanski. The Browns Head Coach has compiled a respectable 25-23 record through three seasons. Not bad, when you consider the dysfunction swirling around that organization.

A longtime Vikings assistant, Stefanski holds the distinction of having the longest working relationship with George Paton. Whether that carries water into the next search remains to be seen, but it’s a factor worth keeping in mind.

Another strong selling point for Stefanski is how his offense is structured. The Browns’ offensive attack employs one of the strongest rushing attacks in the league (and with a dominant offensive line, to boot). They’re a group that knows how to win up front and for a team with no consistency on offense, that’s exactly the kind of temperament that the Broncos need.

Pros

• Extensive working relationship with Paton
• Winning record with dysfunctional team (one playoff appearance and win)
• Knows how to establish a strong offensive line and running game

Cons

• Still employed by the Browns. Only factors in, if he’s let go
• Like some of the other candidates, can you sell him on this fanbase?

Bottom Line: Kevin Stefanski is a coach that emphasizes strong play in the trenches and has gotten some of the best out of the Browns in a long time. Unfortunately, he’s not currently available and may not be a strong enough sell to the fan base (if he was).

Brandon Staley, Chargers HC

This last candidate is probably the biggest stretch. Quite frankly, there are a few factors in mind that help his candidacy.

One, the Chargers’ Head Coach spent a year in Denver under Vic Fangio. In his lone year as the Broncos Outside Linebacker Coach, Staley turned enough heads in LA to be hired as the Rams’ Defensive Coordinator in 2020.  From there, he has a fantastic year as their DC, which led to his current job with the Chargers.

Because of his previous two stops, he has experience with the Broncos and several assistants on Defense/Special Teams. Again, if the Broncos want to keep any kind of continuity on that side of the ball, stuff like this matters. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have a pissed-off Staley looking for revenge on a division rival that let him go.

With that said, the Chargers are currently 8-6 and are the 6th seed in the AFC Playoff Picture. Assuming they hang onto that spot, he’s probably staying in LA. The next two weeks will play a huge role in Staley’s future, but if he were to become available, don’t discount him as someone to interview.

Pros

• Experience in Denver. Has worked with several people on this staff
• Runs a similar Defense
• Would be extra motivated to re-ignite division rivalries

Cons

• Had several mishaps as a sideline decision maker
• who will be the OC? Does it work for what we need?
• Can you sell him on the fanbase?

Bottom Line: There’s a lot of ifs, but it he’s out there, don’t be surprised if he gets an interview. I think you can safely put him in last amongst your coach search power rankings.

Conclusion

And there we have it. An extensive look at candidates that could all be considered by the Denver Broncos.  I’m sure there will be several names pop up in the days and weeks to come, but these names serve as a good starting point.

Whoever replaces Nathaniel Hackett will have a lot on their hands. Can they fix Russell Wilson and justify such an expensive investment? What are you going to do with the offensive line, which has looked at its worst in years? Can you keep anybody on defense and have some sort of continuity?

As the great Kubiak would say, “We’re fixing to find out.”

Hang in there, Broncos Country. This has been the most disappointing season in a long time but with new ownership in town, we can hope that their resources will help dig the Broncos out of their 7-year playoff drought.

Shocking name leads initial betting favorite for Broncos head coach

The betting favorites to become the Denver Broncos next head coach are out, and a shocking name is on top of the initial list.

Stay strong, stay orange, and a Mile High Salute to you all. Go Broncos!