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Longtime Shanahan assistant Dennison wants Broncos' top job

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 5, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.

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ENGLEWOOD — Someday came a little more quickly than Rick Dennison thought it would.

Because while interviewing to be a head coach was something the Broncos' offensive coordinator was preparing for in recent years, to interview for that job in Denver wasn't on the radar.

Dennison, who was on the staff for Mike Shanahan's 14-year tenure with the Broncos, will interview to replace Shanahan this morning.

"I'm excited, sure I'm excited," Dennison said. "I've been thinking about being a head coach for a while, it was something I've aspired to. But head coach of the Broncos, I probably didn't give that a thought until (last) Tuesday, or maybe Wednesday."

Shanahan was fired Dec. 30 in a move that shocked much of the league. All of his assistant coaches are under contract through at least 2009.

With no decision about their future formally expected until a new coach is named and meets with team officials about the makeup of the staff, all of the assistants were given permission last week to talk with other teams or seek jobs elsewhere.

All of the assistants also met with chief operating officer Joe Ellis and vice president of football operations/player personnel Jim Goodman on Wednesday.

In the course of his meeting, Dennison expressed his interest in being a candidate to replace Shanahan.

"Again, to be a head coach at some point in time has been in my thought process," Dennison said. "I've got things prepared. Specifically what they are, I'll keep for the interview. But I see it as something I want to do."

Dennison has been the Broncos' run-game coordinator in recent years as well as coaching the offensive line since 2001. The Broncos routinely have been among the league's rushing leaders.

The Broncos also surrendered only 12 sacks this season. Of the team's top five seasons in sacks allowed per pass play, three have come with Dennison coaching the offensive line.

In his time with the team, Dennison, who played nine seasons at linebacker for the Broncos and holds a master's degree in civil engineering from Colorado State, has been an offensive assistant and special teams coach to go with the offensive line, as well as his recent duties in game-planning the run game.

Comments

  • January 5, 2009

    9:14 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    incognitoboy writes:

    hmmmm.

    i'm torn. i do like rick, more since he's been OL coach than when he was ST......

    but head coach? sure, he's been known to be a fiery guy and he's done a better-than-decent job as OC......just kinda tired of the promotion from within trend.

    time to bring in some new blood.

  • January 5, 2009

    9:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Because he was a Broncos LB, tells me he knows D. I wouldn't be concerned about him leading, providing he is prepared to bring in a new defensive coaching staff. At least we know the offense won't change "too" much.

  • January 6, 2009

    3:22 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    TYoungman writes:

    Maybe it's just the sentimental fan in me, but I think Rick D. would be the best choice of those I've heard mentioned. All of them are young, assistant coaches/coordinators; their stock is high right now because they been successful at that level.

    So what separates any of them from Dennison?

    For whatever reason, he lacks the profile of the other candidates, but his credentials are easily on par with theirs. You can't argue with the results that he has produced as an assistant, and anyone who plays linebacker in the NFL and goes on to be an offensive coordinator has a well rounded understanding of the game.

    Rick is a Bronco through and through - he cares about the organization that he has been a part of for almost 30 years, and he knows it from top to bottom, and he just seems to get results, regardless of what is asked of him. That has to count for something.

  • January 6, 2009

    5:40 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dilligaf writes:

    Boy this is a tough one on me. Rick would be a gamble. But I guess who wouldn't be. Rick has proved me wrong in the past. When they moved him to the offensive line I questioned that. But he has done a stand up job. But if you put a good GM with him with the right coordinators he may get it done. But I'm not sure if Bowlen is willing to take that gamble. I see Spag as being the front runner at this point.

  • January 6, 2009

    5:43 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Winthrop writes:

    Jeff

    You forgot to mention that he can hold the clip-board.

  • January 6, 2009

    8:03 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    hallandnash writes:

    The question is how much did Rick actually have to do with the success of the offense? Gibbs put that system in place and Shanahan had a firm grip on it, and the kid was calling plays.. so it's questionable what Rick would bring as the only guy.

  • January 6, 2009

    8:29 a.m.

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    frosty writes:

    It's time for new blood!

  • January 6, 2009

    8:29 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Marshdale writes:

    Some familiarity would be good. An entire sytem shake up would not. I vote for Rick. He deserves a shot.

  • January 6, 2009

    8:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jlstaud writes:

    Come on Broncs. Take a chance on a new young defensive minded coach. Raheem Morris has been compared to Mike Tomlin and I for one welcome the idea of giving the young guy a shot. I love Dennison, but it is time for some new blood in this organization. Give Morris the job, move Jeremy Bates to O-coordinator and bring in a hard nosed mean guy to coach the D!

  • January 6, 2009

    8:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    MrJim writes:

    I think Rick would be a big mistake. When he was in charge of ST, we ranked in the bottom 1/3 consistantly. When he coached on the Defensive side, we were nothing special. He was OC it title only, and when Gibbs left, our line went to shambles. This year the O'line was solid, I'll grant that, but I don't see Rick as the guy. I haven't seen him prove anything yet.

  • January 6, 2009

    9:20 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    "Our line went to shambles when Gibbs left" ? WHAT!?
    WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING?

    This past year is by far, no contest, the best Offensive line the Denver Broncos have EVER fielded, including the Superbowl teams. And it's not even close.

    The Superbowl teams were great at diving at the knees of the defense every time the ball was snapped, and that's it. Not in their wildest Wet Dream could they ever Pass-block the way this current line does. I will always be 100% DISGUSTED with the dirty tactics of the Joe gibbs style of offensive line play. It requires no skill to dive at the D's knees, and that's all they ever did.

  • January 6, 2009

    9:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    I've seen interviews with former Bronco offensive linemen. They talk about Defensive linemen asking them; "why do you keep diving at my knees? You're going to ruin my entire career you s.o.b."
    And they respond to them that they have to do it, or the coaches will find somebody else who will.
    Their is a reason that, over the past 14 years, the Denver Broncos have repeatedly been voted the dirtiest team in the league.
    That was then this is now, the current O-Line does not rely on those dirty, cheap tactics. Joe Gibbs couldn't get out of town fast enough for me. HE was a disgrace.

  • January 6, 2009

    9:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dilligaf writes:

    R8R_H8R
    If these tactics were dirty why are they legal? The NFL don't agree with you.

  • January 6, 2009

    9:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    chargertom writes:

    donkey linemen use those tactics because they lack the skill to get over on anyone any other way.
    The strewn carnage of their 'running game' (lol) is the Karma payback.

  • January 6, 2009

    9:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jimboelrod writes:

    H8R

    You got the wrong Gibbs there. I agree with you on Rick, he's done a great job with the o-line, he knows defense and special teams. Move the kid over to O-coordinator and bring in someone to handle the D.

  • January 6, 2009

    10:03 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    RustyWon writes:

    Dennison is a good coach but I agree with Frosty; we need new blood.
    RD would try to be just like Mike and I think we need to turn it in a new direction. Focus on the D.

    chargertom, you are ignorant.
    As bad as we were this year we still out rushed you with an offensive line that did very well in spite of the lack of continuity in the backfield.
    We were 12th in rushing and you were 20th.
    Also, everyone in the league knows dielman is the dirtiest O-lineman around.
    By the way, is LT really going to sit out another post-season?
    His lack of a marble sack has got to be going over well in that locker room.

  • January 6, 2009

    10:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Spider writes:

    I just heard the tail end of a colon cowhair interview. The person he was interviewing said that Shanny was going to sit next season out unless the perfect job came available. Could impact a decision on who the coach is. chargertom.....go to the faider website.....stupid minds think alike.

  • January 6, 2009

    11:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    discer writes:

    As I have said before about chargerfan and raiderlovr. You can lead a moron to water but you can't make him think.

  • January 6, 2009

    12:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    chip writes:

    Dennison is actually intriguing...he is a Bronco & really has worked in a lot of different areas..

    @ R8R_H8R :

    Alex Gibbs...

  • January 6, 2009

    12:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    positivefreedom writes:

    1 = Spags, 1A = Frazier, 2 = Dennison.

    Spags knows how to rush the QB and could potentially bring in one of his former players to be a leader - Brian Dawkins.

    Frazier could be to Cutler what Dungy was for Manning - a great D mind to get him over the top.

    And, I didn't think much of Rick D at first, but he is growing on me tremendously. He is HC material - tough, smart, well-rounded. His O-line is Super Bowl material.

    And if there is a bottome line in all of this it is we need to get tougher. No more fluff - like lining up 5 receivers against the Ravens because Mike was scared to run the ball against them. No more lining up four DEs against the Colts because Mike is scared and cannot pressure the QB - what happened to the blitz? We are the Broncos - we are tough, undersized and fast. We run the ball against everybody and anybody. We get tough yards on tough downs, either by running or by letting Jay rip. We are tough, undersized and fast on D. We blitz the QB and come up with timely sacks, fumbles and INTs. We are the Broncos - we are tough, undersized and fast and we never kick away from returners - we shove them into the turf. We are the Broncos - we come up with timely punts inside the 10, and kick game winning FGs.

    We are the Broncos - we are tough - no more fluff!!!

    I loathe the idea of bringing in McDaniels or Garrett or of waiting two years for Kubiak or Kyle Shanahan. No more fluff - we need to get tough. Orange Crush tough. 4th Qtr comeback tough. Never, ever, ever, give up tough.

  • January 6, 2009

    12:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    broncofan722 writes:

    We have to go with one of the young guys. Spags would be great. Morris would be good also. Frazier is interesting but we can't do Rick D. as much as I like him. He has been a good company man all these years but that is why we need someone new. No Garrett! McDaniels is interesting also but we need to be a defensive minded team to start winning on a regular basis.

  • January 6, 2009

    12:28 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Spider writes:

    Whoever Mr. Bowlen picks it will be for the long haul and not just a bandaid to get them through the pre-Shanny era.

  • January 6, 2009

    2:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    elkman writes:

    If Bowlen wants change, why keep any of the coaching staff? Obviously, Bowlen wants significant change or Shanny would still be here. Personally, I think the Broncos need a defensive oriented head coach.

  • January 6, 2009

    3:34 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    xbfan writes:

    Dennison was a mediocre linebacker, a horrible special teams coach, the o-line lost a lot when he had sole responsibility as their coach, and I can't say he's done much as the offensive coordinator. No to Dennison. The Broncos need some entirely fresh prespective and thinking.

  • January 6, 2009

    4:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Classof65 writes:

    Since it is difficult to say what Rick Dennison accomplished as Assistant Offensive Coach I can only judge him by what he did as Special Teams Coach -- and he was horrible! Only Elam kept the Special Team from the bottom of the well...

  • January 6, 2009

    5:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RomBrew writes:

    Not a good idea, leave him at OC and get new blood at Coach, GM and DC then see where he falls in line.

  • January 6, 2009

    6:59 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Montman220 writes:

    Here's the problem I think many people have missed: one can't be a great NFL coach and the GM at the same time.

    One example: Mike Holmgren. He came to Seattle in 1999 with Superbowl rings and impressive coaching credentials. The Seahawks made one playoff appearance from 1999 - 2002, when even the fair-weathered Seattle fans wanted Holmgren fired. Holmgren gave up the GM title at the end of 2002 and focused on coaching. Result: they were in the playoffs each year from 2003 to 2007, including the 2005 Superbowl.

    Nobody questions Mike Shanahan's coaching credentials. I think Shanahan's record shows that he was not successful wearing both hats. I have not read of any successful head coach and GM in the NFL.

    As with any break-up, there is a cooling-off period and time to think about the heart of the relationship. Here's my suggestion:

    - Re-hire Shanahan as the head coach
    - Promote Rick Dennison to defensive coordinator
    - Promote Jeremy Bates to offensive coordinator
    - Hire John Elway as the general manager.

    I don't believe it is necessary to hire an outsider. There is a long history of winning within the Bronco organization. The choice of Elway as GM was well-articulated in an earlier News article by Dave Krieger. Elway has the proven ability to win, the hearts of Bronco fans across the nation, and an Economics degree from Stanford that isn't just given away.

    Dennison can use the defensive coordinator experience to bring some focused intensity back to the defense and round out his resume' for his inevitable head coaching career. Bates apparently is ready for the promotion and has a ready-made success in his hands.

    Shanahan can focus on what he does best. Elway can work his winning magic behind the scenes. The defense gets the awakening and energy it needs. The offense will continue to grow uninterrupted. Bronco fans are happy.

    Perhaps this sounds a little sentimental, but it has some logic. Think about it.

  • January 6, 2009

    8:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    TYoungman writes:

    xbfan writes:

    Dennison was a mediocre linebacker, a horrible special teams coach, the o-line lost a lot when he had sole responsibility as their coach, and I can't say he's done much as the offensive coordinator. - end quote

    XBfan - I think your heart is in the right place but to say that RD has ever been mediocre, much less horrible, at anything is to ignore the facts.

    First of all, he didn't even learn the linebacker position until he got to the NFL. He was a tight end at CSU, un-drafted (in a 12 round draft!) and yet he managed to catch on with Denver's defense and stick around for eight years.

    Also, as ST coach he did a way better job than you and others have suggested here, ( we did win 2 Super Bowls out of the four years that he filled that position). This link has some good numbers on the subject, which indicate that the Broncos were among the league leaders in both offensive and defensive starting position-

    http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/thr...

    Also, did I mention that RD was a Merrill-Green Award winner (CSU's outstanding scholar athlete) and went on to get a Masters in Civil Engineering? With that kind of mediocrity, who needs excellence? Bottom line: RD is an achiever.

    Let's not be short sighted and get into messiah mode here; the best candidate is already here in Denver.

  • January 7, 2009

    2:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tomk writes:

    I think (therefore I am - Descartes) that we need desperately a defensive minded coach. If MS takes us for a 20+m dollar ride by sitting with his feet up for the next 3 years, then we need to promote ...from within. Whoever gets the job needs to concentrate on defense and fitness especially RBs. My other worldly football team improved dramatically when they promoted their assistant manager when their spendthrift manager decided to leave. The assistant went on to complete 9 titles in a row and reached an European final last season. PB just take your time and get it right. MS thanks for the memories.