The Denver Broncos have been linked to DeMeco Ryans more than ever as of late with the recent news surrounding the head coaching cycle. With the uncertainty and theatrics that Sean Payton is currently doing, the latest reports surround the San Francisco 49ers‘ defensive coordinator.
Ryans “impressed” in his interview with the Broncos and the ownership group, led by CEO Greg Penner. He’s become one of the league’s best and most respected defensive coordinators. Ryans led one of the best defenses in the NFL and had them ranked very high in every significant statistical category.
There have been outstanding reviews and recommendations about Ryans becoming a head coach because of his strong leadership qualities. He could embrace that CEO-type head coaching mentality along with being a great defensive mind. A great example would be someone like Mike Tomlin.
A lot of fans in Broncos Country are interested in the idea of Ryans becoming the new head coach. The idea of having a first-time head coach might frighten some fans, but it’s imperative that the staff he builds around him are with veteran coaches.
With that in mind, here would be the dream (yet somewhat realistic) coaching staff IF DeMeco Ryans were to become the next head coach for the Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos dream coaching staff if DeMeco Ryans is hired
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Griese
Brian Griese could potentially be the offensive coordinator if Ryans were to become the next head coach in Denver. The connection is there between both of them as Griese is the QBs coach with the 49ers.
Is this a realistic option if that were the case? Maybe or maybe not. What we do know is Griese has 12 years of NFL experience and can become an intriguing option to run the offense in Denver.
Fans may be more intrigued with Griese as OC if there were more veteran coaches surrounding him. That can be the case as there are some veteran coaches who can advise and help the offense, alongside Griese.
Some veteran presence that may help the offense and Griese could be:
- QBs Coach: Klint Kubiak
- AHC: Gary Kubiak
- OL Coach: Mike Munchak
- Offensive Consultant: Mike Shanahan
Broncos Country would be happy to see Gary Kubiak back in the building helping Griese run the offense. Kubiak was the OC for Griese when he was the QB in Denver. The connection is there and makes sense for all parties involved, including Klint Kubiak staying put as the QBs coach.
Mike Munchak returning to become the Broncos’ offensive line coach is crucial because his leadership was missed. Not only does he have experience, but he is also one of the best OL coaches in the league. He can improve the performance in the offensive line and fans want him back.
Despite this being a dream scenario, Mike Shanahan returning as an offensive consultant would be awesome. Not necessarily a day-to-day operation but having access to the building and input with the offensive staff. Vic Fangio was a consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense this year and it played out well.
Imagine Shanahan helping out Griese and Klint/Gary Kubiak on offense. The veteran presence will not only help Griese but help QB Russell Wilson. Wilson would be surrounded by two former super bowl head coaches Gary Kubiak and Shanahan and that continuity with QBs coach Klint Kubiak.
Defensive Coordinator: Ejiro Evero
DeMeco Ryans would keep Ejiro Evero on staff for multiple reasons. One of them is because he is a great defensive mind, just like himself. They can create something special on defense together and it would be best to continue the continuity between the defense and the players.
The schemes can mesh together if there is any conflict but the two are great defensive minds and it will naturally work out.
Another reason why is the ownership group. Penner and the group think highly of Evero and would like for him to stick around if he does not take a head coaching position this year. Evero will be a hot candidate in the 2024 coaching cycle and with a dominant year with Ryans, the benefits would be worth it.
Evero can also help the Broncos by receiving a compensatory draft pick if Evero were to become a head coach next year.
Another name to look out for if Ryans wants to bring in one of his own guys on the staff is 49ers position (safeties) coach Daniel Bullocks. He is a well-respected coach in the league and Bullocks can thrive under Ryans as the defensive coordinator in Denver.
Special Teams Coordinator: Jerry Rosburg
A coach everyone wants back is Jerry Rosburg and he can be perfect under DeMeco Ryans as the special teams coordinator.
Rosburg has built such a strong relationship with the ownership group and George Paton that Ryans may be persuaded to keep him on staff. The players played hard for him in his two-week stint as interim HC and the special teams improved drastically.
This unit has not performed well in recent years but Rosburg can be the guy to change it around. The operation was visibly better and it showed in the statistical categories in the last two games.
Having another veteran coach like Rosburg can also benefit Ryans and build the community in that building.
No one would know who Ryans would want as STC but having Rosburg already in Denver certainly helps him and his search.
Broncos could go after another first-time head coach in 2023
The Denver Broncos might end up hiring another first-time head coach in 2023. Is 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans climbing up their list quickly?
The Denver Broncos should have answers on who should be their next head coach soon but if DeMeco Ryans were to become the next head coach, his coaching staff will need a veteran presence and this would be a dream staff for him.