The Denver Broncos are in that position they’re all too familiar with – finding yet another head coach. A myriad of issues resulted in painful losses throughout the last few seasons. Perhaps most glaring, the losses could be blamed on lack of game management – it’s been a sore point with the Broncos for a long time. Denver often found themselves making the wrong choice between throwing the ball or running out the clock. Making wrong choices proved detrimental. Sadly, this is just one of the problems that need to be addressed by the new head coach. Let’s take a look at the Denver Broncos head coach candidates.
A Look at the Denver Broncos Head Coach Candidates
Zac Taylor
Having worked under Sean McVay as Los Angeles Rams quarterback coach, Zac Taylor’s success is predicted and the reason so many teams are interested in him.
He’s had a solid career as an NFL coach for the last six years. Prior to Los Angeles, he was the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator in 2015. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s production was attributed to Taylor – he threw 3,000 yards in the first four seasons of his career.
Cody Roark of Predominantly Orange suspects Taylor’s interview with the Broncos on Saturday is one for an offensive coordinator disguised as a head coach interview. After all, he also had tremendous success with Jared Goff who thus far has thrown 4700 yards, 32 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. Taylor could very well be the man to transform Denver’s struggling offense.
Vic Fangio
He’s coached in the NFL for 32 years. Vic Fangio is certainly one of the most established candidates for the Broncos head coach vacancy.
As defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, he brought their defense to life when it was almost at the bottom of the NFL. They quickly climbed and became a top 15 defense the past three seasons, and are currently ranked first this season.
The Broncos desperately need a coach who is capable of identifying what his men can do (or can’t do). Fangio has such a gift, and that is what transformed the Bears defense from barely-surviving to near-brilliance.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that Fangio will interview with the Broncos on Monday. However, his strengths are in defense, so he’ll need to find an offensive coordinator who can transform Denver’s ailing offense.
Brian Flores
This season, Brian Flores served as a defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. The Patriots defense currently ranks seventh in total points allowed.
The Broncos have to be cautious about hiring someone with only one year’s experience as a coordinator. But his years of experience within the NFL can outweigh his one year as a coordinator.
He was a scouting assistant in 2004 and worked within the Patriots’ personnel department for four years prior to coaching in 2008. He was an assistant for offense, defense and special teams, before taking over Matt Patricia’s role as defensive coordinator when he left for Detroit.
With that kind of knowledge on every side, he’s makes an appealing candidate. The Broncos have requested an interview with him. As yet, he hasn’t been granted permission while the Patriots are in playoff prep.
Mike Munchak
With 30 years of coaching in the NFL, Mike Munchak would be a sound candidate for the job. He was the head coach for the Tennessee Titans through three seasons.
For the last five seasons, he has served as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach. His overall effectiveness at any job he held within the NFL makes him a much sought-after head coach candidate for a number of teams. He has earned a reputation for being excellent at actual team management. It’s no secret the Broncos need this particular skill.
Whoever the head coach is, he will need to be an exceptional game manager and team manager. Sounds simple enough, but these are areas that need serious addressing in Denver. Maybe then, the Broncos can experience the success they once did.
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