Many in Broncos Country would be opposed just on principle, but the team could end up hiring another first-time head coach again in 2023. Fans are not unanimously opposed to the idea, but many Broncos fans would simply rather have someone who has sat in the head coach’s chair before. Experience matters after watching first-time head coaches Vance Joseph (2017-2018), Vic Fangio (2019-2021), and Nathaniel Hackett (2022) crash and burn.
But let’s pose a question: What if the best head coach available is a first-time head coach?
Specifically, what if the best head coach available is 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans? Ryans’ 49ers will be competing this coming weekend in the NFC Championship Game as the 49ers travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.
Broncos Country may welcome a first-time HC, like it or not
DeMeco Ryans was one of the final candidates interviewed by the Denver Broncos in this cycle. He spoke with the team ahead of the 49ers’ matchup this past weekend against the Dallas Cowboys and his unit clearly impressed. It seems as though his presentation for becoming the next head coach of the team also impressed. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, you shouldn’t count Ryans out for the Broncos’ job opening.
What's the latest on the Cardinals HC search?
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 24, 2023
How about the Jets OC?
Is Demeco Ryans in play for Denver?
Who is Eagles QB Coach Brian Johnson? @Pschrags and @TomPelissero empty their notebooks. pic.twitter.com/w8mzvWnFVi
After he interviewed with the Broncos and Texans, Ryans canceled interviews with the Colts and Cardinals. What did he hear from the Broncos and Texans? Or did he really just want to focus on the upcoming playoff matchup?
At any rate, Ryans’ name is still in the running for Denver at this point in time and although there haven’t been a ton of updates since interviews wrapped up for the Broncos, the fact that Ryans is getting mentioned by Pelissero in this report is significant. Ryans was an outstanding linebacker in the NFL and has had a rapid ascent in the coaching realm.
He’s become one of the best and most respected defensive coordinators in the NFL, leading one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses this season. The Broncos have seen what not to do with a first-time head coach, so why couldn’t they make sure to get things right if they hire Ryans?
Get him a veteran coaching staff around him. Operate differently than you did with Hackett. It’s not like having immediate success is impossible for first-time head coaches. As a matter of fact, two of them that the Denver Broncos didn’t interview last cycle — Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll — ended up in the postseason.
Another first-time head coach that was seemingly one of the top candidates in Denver — Kevin O’Connell — took his team to the playoffs and a division title as well.
Could it be that Ryans is the best head coach candidate on the market? It’s certainly possible, and unlike in years past, the Broncos have to make sure they get this hire correct. They have gone into head coaching searches with John Elway in the past where they’ve had a favorite going into the process. That didn’t always work out.
They’ve had limited candidate lists, expansive ones, and they’ve been equal parts aggressive and impulsive, bordering on reckless.
The team is being patient this time around, and for good reason. This is a decision that will impact the future trajectory of the team, and Ryans being in the head coach seat would certainly be something to behold.
3 reasons Sean Payton should not coach the Broncos
The Sean Payton sweepstakes will wrap up, likely in the near future, but should the Denver Broncos truly have interest in the coach?
What if he’s the one to get the most out of the team? What if he has a great plan for building a staff? What if he’s able to help this team compete with Kansas City in the AFC West? DeMeco Ryans is a tremendous candidate and if the Broncos go with a first-time option, he’s the best they can get.