Bowlen expected to be swift in finding successor
Names surface; one creates most buzz - Cowher
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Video: Surprise! A day ago, Broncos Jay Cutler, Michael Pittman and Ben Hamilton were expecting another year under Mike Shanahan. Watch »
Do you agree with the Broncos' decision to fire coach Mike Shanahan?
Photo by Chris McGrath / Getty Images
Many Broncos fans want Bill Cowher as the team's next coach.
Photo by Associated Press
Gary Kubiak, now the coach of the Texans, was another name bandied about.
Photo by Associated Press
Mike Heimerdinger is another candidate.
Photo by Joe Mahoney / The Rocky
Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, who has a strong relationship with Jay Cutler, has three years left on his contract.
- SLIDE SHOW: Shanahan as Broncos' coach
- POLL: Do you agree with the decision to fire Shanahan?
- CUTLER ON FIRING: 'I’m not pleased with it at all'
- KRIEGER: Goodbye Shanahan, hello . . . Elway?
- BRONCO DEAN: Post-Shanahan rant
- LINCICOME: 'New direction' or bust
- WIN, LOSE & DREW: Shanahan's final exit
- REACTION: Players past, present struggle with firing
- NEXT COACH: Bowlen expected to name successor quickly
- FANS: Sadness, but little surprise at firing
- POLL: Who should replace Shanahan as Broncos coach?
- LIVE CHAT: Discuss Shanahan's firing now in our open chat
- LIVE Coverage from Broncos' news conference
After shocking his team, his adopted city and his friends and colleagues in the NFL all in one swoop Tuesday by firing coach Mike Shanahan, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is expected to move quickly during the next few weeks to replace the man who was the team's coach and top personnel executive.
Neither Bowlen nor Shanahan could be reached for comment Tuesday night, but both are expected to speak at a news conference beginning at 11 a.m. today.
When the search for Shanahan's replacement does begin, the name generating the biggest buzz around the league is former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and current CBS analyst Bill Cowher.
But NFL teams say Cowher has made it clear he wants control over a team's football operations to go with a salary in the top three among coaches in the league (pushing him beyond $6 million a year).
That means the Broncos almost certainly would look in another direction.
More likely is someone such as Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, especially if the Broncos elect to retain offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, who is under contract for three more seasons and has a strong relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher has said in the past that Schwartz is "ready to be a head coach."
Also on Fisher's defensive staff is former Arizona Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has been given permission to talk to the New York Jets about their vacant head coaching position, and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who has interviewed for the Miami, Atlanta and Baltimore head coaching jobs, are high-profile candidates as well.
Assistant coaches with teams in the playoffs cannot interview for head coaching positions until the week after the conference championships or when their team's season is completed.
Two NFL general managers who were asked Tuesday to name an up-and-coming defensive assistant who might be ready for a move up mentioned Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive backs coach Raheem Morris as someone that both had "on the radar."
Longtime associates of Bowlen said Tuesday night he has leaned toward people he knows or has worked with in the past when facing major personnel decisions.
But those associates also pointed out Tony Dungy, who had no previous relationship with Bowlen, was at the top of the team's list of candidates in 2001 when Shanahan was in the hunt for the University of Florida job.
Shanahan ended up staying with the Broncos and Dungy ended up coaching in Indianapolis, where he remains.
If Bowlen chose to lean toward former Broncos assistants with offensive backgrounds, Mike
Heimerdinger and Gary Kubiak fit the profile.
Heimerdinger currently is the Titans' offensive coordinator. Kubiak is believed to have two more years remaining on his contract with the Texans but is facing enough heat in his current job that he fired three defensive assistants Tuesday.
To secure a head coach who currently is under contract with another team - as Kubiak is - the Broncos would have to work out a deal with the other team and likely have to surrender compensatory draft picks.
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been one of the most pursued coordinators in the league in recent seasons.
And former Broncos assistant and current Miami Dolphins receivers coach Karl Dorrell has head coaching experience at
UCLA.
The Broncos would have to request permission to interview any assistant under contract with another team. Also, under the league's Rooney Rule, the Broncos are required to interview minority candidates for any top positions.
Because Shanahan was the top personnel executive as well as the coach, the Broncos might be searching through general manager candidates in the coming weeks as well.
They might even hire the general manager first. Bowlen has not previously made his preference known about whether he would structure a more traditional general manager/coach operation.
The Broncos' financial situation might dictate whom they pursue and how their corporate flow chart looks in personnel and the coaching staff. If they have to continue to pay Shanahan, even partially, and any assistants they have fired because they do not take other jobs, it could impact money spent in the new search.
There would be a significant expenditure to restructure the team's personnel department as well because any new general manager or top personnel executive might want to bring in scouts or others with whom he already has a working relationship.
Who's next?
Names that surfaced around the league Tuesday to replace Mike Shanahan as coach of the Broncos:
Defensive background
* Jim Schwartz, Titans defensive coordinator
* Steve Spagnuolo, Giants defensive coordinator
* Dave McGinnis, Titans linebackers coach
* Rex Ryan, Ravens defensive coordinator
* Raheem Morris, Buccaneers defensive backs coach
Offensive background
* Mike Heimerdinger, Titans offensive coordinator
* Gary Kubiak, Texans coach*
* Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
* Karl Dorrell, Dolphins receivers coach
* Because Kubiak is a coach under contract, the Broncos likely would have to surrender compensatory draft picks if the two teams agreed to a deal.
GM candidates
If the Broncos want to make the additional financial commitment to revamp the personnel side of football operations and hire a general manager, among the former ones available are:
* Floyd Reese, formerly of the Titans
* Charley Casserley, formerly of the Redskins and Texans
* Mike Lombardi, formerly of the Raiders
* Ted Sundquist, formerly of the Broncos
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December 31, 2008
12:13 a.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
Bill Cowher is going to get this job. You know his agent has already been contacted. It was like clock work I was watching ESPN this morning and then again later in the day and It would say the same thing on the ticker'' Cower interested in the Jets job and he was going to meet with them''. Then as soon as Shanahan got the ax it changed and said that Cower was no longer interested in talking with the Jets. Cower also had good things to say about Denver on the NFL on CBS, he picked them as the team he thought would do some damage if they got in to the playoffs.
December 31, 2008
12:43 a.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
Sorry, I know it's Cowher, not Cower I started out ok then it all fell apart on me. I also don't think Bowlen cares how much he has to pay a coach if it's the coach he really wants. The only way Cowher turns this job down is if it hinges on the total control of football operations issue.I think if Cowher gets a great deal of the power but not all that might be good enough. One thing you have to remember is Denver is head and shoulders above any other coaching job that has come open as of yet. Also if you were Cowher would you want to take some of those other jobs knowing that they are constant year in year out losers and have someone making football decisions for you ?I think Denver and Bowlen have the reputation of an organization that is always trying to get too a Super Bowl.
December 31, 2008
1:55 a.m.
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flybys writes:
With all due respect to Mr. Legwold, a lot of the names listed as potential coach or GM possibilities are no hopers.
Floyd Reese is easily the smartest and best of the GM names mentioned but would he be the right guy now? Maybe 5 years ago.
Bill Cowher is the flavor of the moment but I don't see that happening.
Denver needs, first and foremost, a strong, accomplished GM and then a defensive-minded coach with all the success DNA that it's possible to possess.
December 31, 2008
6:23 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Bring back Gary Kubiak!
December 31, 2008
6:47 a.m.
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hallandnash writes:
The Broncs have no defense so I favor somebody like Jim Schwartz, Steve Spagnuolo or Rex Ryan. They are the 3 coordinators on the top defense teams in the league.
Keep Bates the O-Guy and we're already better.
I think the bloom is off the Kubiak rose after what he hasn't done with the Texans.
I like the Cowher angle as GM/Coach but I don't see it happening.
December 31, 2008
6:51 a.m.
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Broncos4Life1 writes:
I'm proud of Pat Bowlen for finally taking control of his team. While I think that Shanahan was a good coach, I think the early success of his teams which included Elway and Davis made his reputation. If you look at the last 10 years since Elway retired he was nothing special, an average coach that could'nt get his team over the hump. As for his personnel decisions, those are what truly got him fired, too many chances, too many obvious bad decisions. Just look at the disaster with Maurice Clarett, the deal that brought the Cleveland Browns D-line here, and the Jarvis Moss drafting. There were just too many wasted picks in a league that really relies on the draft to build your team. I believe the Broncos need a real GM, a defensive minded head coach and possibly a new D-coordinator. Plus to a certain degree they will probably have to gut the roster and get rid of some of the dead weight to free up salary cap space.
December 31, 2008
7:19 a.m.
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The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
Kubiak won't be brought in, guess who is current offensive coordinator is? So who in their right mind thinks Kubiak will return with Kyle Shannahan and O-coordinator? Not going to happen.
December 31, 2008
7:48 a.m.
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Juice writes:
It doesn't matter... the change process will take years. So, get ready for at least two years of average football and no playoffs. Denver may come out better on the other side, but there won't be immediate results. Remember, the defense must be rebuilt. It doesn't matter who they bring in, that change will take time. There will be no quick-fix here. My biggest worry is the running game. Shanahan has been known for being extremely successful at running the ball and throwing off the play action. If this goes away, Cutler will be a waste.
Go Broncos, success will wait until 2011 :(
December 31, 2008
8:07 a.m.
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DCBronco writes:
This is one of the dumbest decisions ever. Everyone thinks they're going to bring some big name in. He got rid of Shanahan because of control. Parcells would want the same, most likely Cowher too. But the thing that most aren't paying attention to is the makeup of the team. The offense was as strong as it had ever been without a running back. How many coaches will run the type of system Denver runs. Parcells likes big fat lineman. He would start changing a line that gave up 12 sacks. That would take a couple of years to get straight. The main thing the defense needs is a couple of safeties. The Broncos didn't need a new coach. They needed another draft. And this draft would have been focused on defense since the offense is set. A healthy running back means no more double teams on receivers. And Denver has three that need to be doubled. The redzone would be open again. Pat Bowlen just ruined a team a few players away from being dominate for years or is about to pay someone else to come in and take credit for what Shanahan has built. The new coach could be Barry Switzer.
December 31, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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wbroncos writes:
Mr Bowlen, Just take your time and hire a GM first. Then hire the best best up and coming new young head coach. After they are in place then hire the best young offenses & defenses coaches out there. Need to hire a player personal dir. to find the best free agents and a person to run the draft. Build the best franchise with great people not just money. If you build it this way players will love to come to Denver and play for you.
December 31, 2008
8:36 a.m.
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petert5 writes:
Come on people, it was way over due here. After the SD thrashing, Shanahan's comments said it all; I'm proud of the team, they played hard' LOL!!! They were horrible and so was he with his lame play calling. The side line screen pass? Not once mind you, but three times with the third getting blocked and intercepted. Ok, we won two Super Bowls, uh hem.. 10 YEARS AGO.. Get it?
Time for a new direction, I know everyone would be miffed once again with another sub-par season with more denial and excuses from Shanahan i.e. 'We didn't get the job done' uh, NO SHKIDDING! Mike was synonymous with Bronco success, but that was a long time ago. We had to endure Brian Griese and only Plummer got to the playoffs, mistakes and all. I believe we could have gotten to the playoffs the year Mike benched Plummer for Cutler, but Cutler was so green he failed miserably that year of six starts and the 'best chance of getting us to the playoffs' as Mike put it? The defensive brain Mike hired this year to run the defense was totally inept and even he admitted after the SD game that He didn't have a clue? It's been reported that Bowlen asked Shanahan to make a few coaching changes after the SD debacle and Mike refused so, BRAVO to Bowlen... Get out Mike and have fun in your new mansion. In my opinion, Bowlen wants a winning team and a new direction, I just don't like hearing that Eric Mangini will be interviewed, that's the last person I want to see in here. Where's Brian Billick? Kubiak? Some of you are high on Cowher? Was he really that great? How many years in Pittsburgh with one championship? And, that was the year they beat us and got in, think about his record, not that hot. There are some good offensive players to build on here, let's get back to a defense that actually puts fear in other teams, Shanahan never achieved that.
Good luck Broncos.
December 31, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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RobertR487 writes:
"He got rid of Shanahan because of control."
Yes, because Shanahan demanded control over EVERYTHING, and he's proven he's a poor judge of defensive talent. He wasn't willing to take a reduced role, so he had to go.
"The Broncos didn't need a new coach. They needed another draft. And this draft would have been focused on defense since the offense is set."
But it would have been Shanahan making those defensive picks, and as I said above, he's shown he's no good at drafting defensive talent. He had TEN YEARS to build a post-Elway championship team, and he couldn't do it.
"Pat Bowlen just ruined a team a few players away from being dominate for years".
Mike Shanahan wasn't the man to get those players. Someone else needs to get them. A team that gives up 52 points in its last game shows no signs of being "dominate".
December 31, 2008
8:59 a.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
Pat Bowlen, please be patient before hiring. Wait until Shanahan hooks up with another team so it'll free up some money to afford the right GM/Coach. WE BETTER HOPE HE HOOKS UP WITH ANOTHER TEAM, otherwise we're in a bind.
December 31, 2008
9:16 a.m.
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AngryDragon writes:
Please, Please bring in a good GM. Maybe Scott Pioli???? After we get that in place then we need to hire a defensive minded coach. If we do that then you would have to think they would be smart enough to let the offense operate as it is. Rick Dennison needs to stay, Bates I'm not so sure about.
Stop the Kubiak talk now, it's not going to happen. No way we give up draft picks to bring him back. Cowher, he wants GM responsibility and that isn't going to happen.
December 31, 2008
9:41 a.m.
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bchiper writes:
Do any of you know anything about leadership? Bowlen did the right hard thing. Shanny is a great coach, but, he's horrible at GM. I think he would still be the coach if he argeed to let the GM position go. In reading all these notes everyone seems to think the offense will change with a new coach. Not if he truely knows what he's got there. The offense doesn't need fixing and we all know the defense needs a complete makeover in talent, approach and discipline. Bring in a strong defensive mind and leave the offense be. That would be what I'd tell any candidate regardless of who they are. Mr. Bowlen likes to win. Well so do I and it is time for a change. Actually thought that last year when we went 7-9. Go Broncos let's get out of being an also ran dormat for other teams.........
December 31, 2008
9:53 a.m.
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Blind_Pete writes:
DCBronco and RobertR487 pretty much sum up the two sides of the debate over this firing. I happen to agree with DC, but Robert makes a valid point and he could be correct. I would have let Shanahan finish out his contract though. The Broncos should be should be two or three years from becoming elite. If it wouldn't have happened by then, Shanahan could be blamed for not getting the defense up to snuff. This was just too soon to fire him.
December 31, 2008
10:04 a.m.
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wbroncos writes:
The NFL is to complex of one man to run, The GM to run the football operations, The head coach to oversee team, The offense coordinator to game plan & call plays & the defense corrdinator to game plan & call plays also. Now with said you need the right people in place, no egos allowed. Build a scout program, free agent program, and a draft program that everbody on the same page.
December 31, 2008
10:07 a.m.
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petert5 writes:
Why was it too soon Blind Pete? He should have been canned after Brian Griese..LOL
It's more than time, he's had years to toy with this team after Elway/Davis & only the bumbling Plummer got us to the other side. Again, 1 playoff win in 10 years...Hello?
December 31, 2008
10:10 a.m.
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wbroncos writes:
Shanny left no other option but to be let go. Bowlen wanted to fire defense coodinator and bring in a GM, when Mike said no, pink slip. that's about it
December 31, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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bassman writes:
DC I was thinking along those lines last night. A new coach may not want to run the zone blocking scheme and would hence revamp the offensive line. However, anyone with an ounce of brains would keep Clady, Kuper and Harris. Wiegemann did a great job this year but is getting old and is undersized. Hamilton is easily replaceable. This o-line would actually be better with a couple new guys to replace them. This draft is way deep in DT. With 9 picks they could trade up if needed to det Maulauga from USC at ILB or down to get Laurinitis at Ohio State. 2nd round could bring a good DT and then the Oregon safety in the 3rd round. Some good corners in the draft could replace Bly.
December 31, 2008
11 a.m.
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pietrojoe writes:
We need to hire Steve Spagnuolo. He's got a ring and a dominant defense. His unit was formidable last year, and has continued success with the loss of osi umenyiora this year.
Bring a tough and defensive attitude to Denver.
We'll be fine on offense if Bates sticks around...
December 31, 2008
11:11 a.m.
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T1anda writes:
Please!! No Bill Cowher! No Marty Schottenhiemer!! Say NO to re-treads. Cowher is over rated!! Marty is like Shanny a control freak! Get someone new,fresh,smart!
December 31, 2008
11:13 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Elway as GM. Kubiak as head coach.
Keep it in the family.
December 31, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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Grizzwyld writes:
As long as the Broncos keep Pat Bowlen as owner, they'll be a successful franchise.
I'd like to see Elway involved as GM, and either Schottenhiemer, or Cowher would be great for strengthening the defense.
(Dungy or Kubiak wouldn't be bad choices either, however the Broncos don't need to be giving up draft choices for coaches.)
Jay Cutler should be listened to before his offensive coordinator is replaced and if needed, be convinced by the new head coach before that change is made.
Lets all thank God that Pat Bowlen is in control instead of Al Davis.
December 31, 2008
12:48 p.m.
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jaybyrd writes:
Cowher is the most overrated ex-coach in the NFL. Lousy postseason record and won a Super Bowl only due to a blown officiating call. His pedigree is yesterday's news. Young, successful defensive coordinators like Spag or Ryan would be a better fit. Elway has zilch GM and coach experience, why go this route? And yes, let us thank God Bowlen is in charge, as God has nothing better to do than monitor the Donkey's situation.
December 31, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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Spider writes:
I tend to side with those who hate to see Shanny the coach go but are not shocked that Shanny the GM had to go. No retreads. The idea of McGinnis makes me cringe. Hire a young ambitious GM first. Choose a HC that is of the same line of thinking. Make sure you have a strong DC that isn't going to change schemes each week. Heck if Miami and Atlanta can make the turn arounds they did with new coaches why can't the Broncos?
December 31, 2008
1:14 p.m.
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jcn7vc writes:
I am suprised no one mentioned Brian Billeck. He might be a good, hard nosed coach that would light a fire on defense. Heck, may even attract some of those defensive free agents from around the league.
December 31, 2008
1:44 p.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
Chan Gailey.
December 31, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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denfanincali writes:
All of those options STINK.
December 31, 2008
3:28 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
Adam Schefter reported maybe Jim Fossil and John Clayton said Bowlen might contact Bob Stoops.
December 31, 2008
3:36 p.m.
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Boneheadbowlen writes:
It's hysterical to read all the names being run up the flagpole and I'm sure the laughs won't stop coming for a while. Sad thing is, when all the laughing is done, fans will realize we had the best to begin with. It's gonna take a while for me to get over this Bowlen Blunder, but I figure time will heal. Being a Bronco fan trapped in Tampa, I have a feeling Jon Gruden may be on the market soon. My advice for Bowlen would be to not even consider Gruden, or Shottenheimer, or Cowher, or Parcell's, or Billick, or Crennel, or Phillips, or Mangini, or Kubiak, or Holmgren...let's see...who's left???...never mind...just do what you think is "in the best interest for the team"...oh did mention...no..no, he wouldn't work either - geeezz Pat, you're screwed!
December 31, 2008
4:24 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
I was against this from the beginning but life goes on. When I heard that Shanahan wouldn't fire Slowik, this change had to be made.I can't speak for everyone but if my boss tells me to do something and I don't do it, I understand that he can tell me to hit the bricks.And when that same guy is also the owner of the company done deal. Good luck Mr. Shanahan thanks for all that you did for the Broncos, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
December 31, 2008
4:24 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Jim Fassel? Bill Cowher, Marty Shottenheimer? Brian Billick? What? Tell me again how this is going to make things better.
December 31, 2008
4:29 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
Jim Fassel? Brian Billick? Bill Cowher? Marty Schottenheimer? What? Tell me again how this is an going to make things better.
December 31, 2008
4:56 p.m.
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MileHighGang writes:
Wow where do you start. First how is it that everyone is so excited about Bill Cowher. I mean Shanahan's resume is far more impressive. Cowher won 1 superbowl and played in a division that has been terrible. Also Cowher seems to be a product of the Steelers organization which is run and solid defense. Look at his replacement almost identical results. As far as defense he gets to much credit anyone ever heard of D. Labeau. Probaly one of the best defensive minds in the game. Look folks the Broncos have been suffering some revenue woes. Our total payroll ranks very close to the bottom this year. Cowher wants 6-8 mill per year and we still need a GM. Which is critical. A good GM will make a coach (See Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Bill Bellicehck). A good GM is gona cost some coin and to get an established guy ,its gona take some picks also. So what I am saying is many of you are well delusional at best. I don't disagree, that maybe it was time for a GM and a coach but don't be surprised when it goes bad. The last 14 years have spoiled us and many of you don't remember or know about times before then.
December 31, 2008
5:12 p.m.
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Broncos4Life1 writes:
Jim Fassel might be a good fit. But he's been out of the loop for a while now. He was in Denver years ago with Dan Reeves but the Broncos need to get a D-minded coach. Enough with all the talk about Cowher, Billick and Schottenheimer. If your going to move in a different direction like Bowlen is talking about, bring in someone new, not another retread thats been doing broadcasting. Keep the O-coaches, they know the system and its been successful. Blow up the D-coaching staff and start from scratch. New coaches, new players, new scheme, new attitude!