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Broncos candidate Bowles offers positive spin

Record turnaround by Dolphins shows anything is possible

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 8, 2009 at 7:11 p.m.

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Bowles had a role in Miami going from 1-15 to 11-5.

Bowles had a role in Miami going from 1-15 to 11-5.

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In search of a turnaround, the Broncos turned to a coaching candidate Thursday who was part of the biggest season-to-season turnaround in league history.

Todd Bowles, assistant head coach/secondary for the Miami Dolphins, was part of a football staff that, in its first season under coach Tony Sparano, went from 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5 and the AFC East title this season.

The Dolphins lost to Baltimore 27-9 on Sunday in an AFC wild-card game.

"I don't know if what we did helps my cause, but maybe they're talking to me just because of the turnaround," Bowles said. "But it's not like the Broncos are 0-16, 1-15 and are looking for that kind of total turnaround. Having been a part of it, though, you understand what change is about and how you go about it, that everybody has to be involved and be willing to do what it takes to make a different result."

The Broncos, having missed the playoffs each of the past three seasons and with one playoff win since the start of the 1999 season, are searching for at least a bit of a football resurrection in the wake of the firing of Mike Shanahan.

Bowles, who has been endorsed to several personnel and team executives by Bill Parcells, the Dolphins' executive vice president of football operations, is the seventh NFL assistant to interview for the Broncos job. He interviewed with Detroit on Wednesday and is expected to interview with St. Louis next week.

"(The Lions) were 0-16, so they were very interested in the turnaround we had in Miami," Bowles said. "The Broncos are in a little different situation, but I feel like I've been preparing for this kind of job - to be a head coach - for a long time. I've always felt like it was important to do all of the things necessary to be prepared if the opportunity to be a head coach came my way."

Bowles was a Dallas assistant on Parcells' staff before joining Sparano, another former Parcells assistant, in Miami. In 2007, three of Bowles' four starters in the Cowboys secondary were selected to the NFC's Pro Bowl team.

Bowles played eight seasons in the NFL, seven with Washington and one in San Francisco.

Bowles' visit also completes the Broncos' initial interviews. Now the team, including owner Pat Bowlen and chief operating Joe Ellis, will review what they have heard and decide which, if any, of the seven will be interviewed a second time next week, possibly as early as Monday.

Two or three could be brought in for a second look if Bowlen isn't ready to proceed on contract negotiations with a top pick.

The Broncos also are expected to discuss reaching out to University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to see if he is interested in at least interviewing. Stoops, whose Sooners played in the Bowl Championship Series title game Thursday night, was high on the Broncos' initial list of candidates.

The Broncos made preliminary overtures to reach Stoops the day after Shanahan was fired but have concentrated on interviewing candidates they could schedule for visits.

The only candidate the Broncos have talked with whom they might not interview again next week is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. If the Giants win Sunday in an NFC divisional-round playoff game against Philadelphia, the Broncos, by league rules, could not talk with him again until the week after the conference championship games.

If the Giants lose Sunday, the Broncos could meet with Spagnuolo as soon as a meeting could be arranged. Spagnuolo also has interviewed with the New York Jets, who must replace Eric Mangini.

But with Cleveland having hired Mangini to be its coach, teams with openings moved quickly to line up their candidates.

New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who interviewed with the Broncos on Sunday in Providence, R.I., will meet with the Rams on Friday. Minnesota defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who interviewed with the Broncos on Wednesday, is set to meet with the Rams next week.

Comments

  • January 8, 2009

    8:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockyMts69 writes:

    The Sooners 'played' on Thursday night? It's 7-7 6:44 in the third quarter right now...

  • January 8, 2009

    8:51 p.m.

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    Broncofan85 writes:

    14-7 now lol

  • January 8, 2009

    9:53 p.m.

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    jlstaud writes:

    Hmmmm. Four straight bowl losses including one to Boise State. Yep, lets bring that guy in to coach the Broncos.

  • January 8, 2009

    9:55 p.m.

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    Soonerhorse writes:

    The article was written for tomorrow's paper, which causes them to think way outside the box and use language compatible with tomorrow. They post it on-line early as a courtesy. I can't believe how many people seem to be incapable of figuring that out. Most papers have only been doing this for at least the last decade.

  • January 8, 2009

    10:04 p.m.

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    RockyMts69 writes:

    Okay...for the LAST time, this is why Denver should not even consider Stoops for a head coaching position. OU has lost the Orange Bowl twice, tonite and back in 2004 when they went undeafeted all season only to lose to USC 55-19

    They lost Fiesta Bowl to underdog WV 48-28, and in 2006 they lost to Boise St. in OT 43-42.

    But the good news is they beat Oregon in the 2005 Holiday Bowl 17-14!

    Once again Stoops did not prepare his team. They were busy trash talking Tebow, and look what happened. They were busy trash talking Boise, and look what happened.

    I rest my case!

  • January 8, 2009

    10:07 p.m.

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    RockyMts69 writes:

    Well Soonerhorse, maybe Stoops should have read 'tommorows' paper today and he would have been better prepared!

  • January 8, 2009

    10:16 p.m.

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    gahoaglund writes:

    Take the "St" off his name.... OOPS!

  • January 8, 2009

    10:40 p.m.

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    curoma writes:

    C'mon fellas, OU plays in the ALL O league, don't know what to do when they play a team with a defense.
    How's Tebow look now? Still think he's the 4th best QB if he's in that conference.
    USC would've been a better game, They'd have beaten florida.
    Heck, Utah might've!
    Coach's Poll should be interesting in tomorrow's paper today,or something like that...

  • January 9, 2009

    6:45 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Broncos4Life1 writes:

    Why is the RMN touting that Todd Bowles had 3 of his 4 secondary guys make the Pro Bowl in 2007 while he was still in Dallas? Its a popularity contest that does its voting before the season is even completed! You don't seriously think that Brett Favre deserves to be there this year do you? Its all about reputation and popularity! Don't give Bowles any extra credit for anything special, he's just a Rooney Rule interviewee. He really does'nt have much experience, only as a position coach.

  • January 9, 2009

    7:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    gylizard1 writes:

    The Broncos should QUICKLY cross STOOPid off of their list..he was TOTALLY outcoached in that title game..their running game was non existant..and his play calling was flat out awful. Besides..the guy is a total JACKASS..at least Shanahan was likeable..not Stoops..Please..Please..Please..hire either McDaniels or Spagnuolo!

  • January 9, 2009

    7:39 a.m.

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    CountryCarl writes:

    I usually don't like college coaches coming to the NFL, definitely don't want Stoops, but what about Urban Meyer? He is an analytical coach that seems to be successful wherever he goes by simply outsmarting everyone else. If he had only done it at Florida with the worlds best athlete's I would be less impressed, but he made UTAH a national power. That takes skill.

  • January 9, 2009

    9:22 a.m.

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    Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

    Ok, we are on this Oklahoma topic, I'm gonna rant.

    I'm a Penn State alum. My dad and uncle are alums, 3 of my cousins. We are all Nittany Lions through and through.

    The Big 10 is not a good conference right now. Its down... there are a few decent teams and PSU and OSU are very good teams... not great, but other than USC and probably Florida, the Lions and Buckeyes can play with anyone.

    The media and fans rip the Big 10... no one wanted Penn State to get in the title game (or OSU again). Oh no, not another Big 10 team. I understand why.

    But why don't we hear the same outcry against Oklahoma???

    Not only 4 straight bowl losses, but 5 straight BCS game losses. That is terrible. Why on God's green earth would anyone (but Sooner fans) want to see that team in the title game? Ohio State has at least won a title since OK last won a BCS game.

    I freely admit the Big 10 stinks, but the Big 12 is way overrated. They play no defense. Its a touch football league.

    Mizzou went to OT with Northwestern, a traditional Big 10 doormat. Texas/Ohio State was an even game that could have gone either way. Texas Tech and OK St got beat up. And finally, OK had scored 60 points in 4 straight games and come up with just 14 against an actual defense.

    Look, OK came to play last night... it was a very competitive game, but for all the hype of those offenses, it wasn't quite the same once they got outside of their own conference.

    USC and Florida should be playing. They are the class of the NCAA (or whatever they changed the name to). Every year, those teams are loaded. What a ridiculous system. And honestly, I think USC would win. Not because they spanked Penn State. That team is just so talented across the board. Their defense would really be tough on Tebow and co. So many weapons on offense and a QB who can throw from the pocket. We'll never no of course.

    Ok, sorry... I went a bit off topic.

    Back to the Broncos... I agree on Stoops. Please don't do it. We don't need "big game" Bob here. We already have a culture of losing big in the big games. It goes back to 2000 when we were not competitive against the Ravens. '02 got spanked late in the season against the raiders. '03/'04 Indy blows us off the planet. '05 Steelers blow us out. '06, knocked out by a bad 9ers team. This year, 3 straight with a chance to clinch, including a complete debacle against the hated Chargers.

    Not a good record. "Big game" Bob is not that man to turn that around.

  • January 9, 2009

    11:35 a.m.

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    jonnyrotten writes:

    Stoops would be a horrible choice for any NFL HC job.

    Vikings Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator LESLIE FRAISER would be my top choice.

    This guy is a tested and proven winner. 10 years of NFL coaching experience. Super Bowl rings as a player and a coach. A special assistant to Tony Dungy with the Colts for 2 years, he went on to architect the #1 defense in the league in Minnesota.

    Please Mr. Bowlen, we need a defensive minded coach.

    The offense is solid, we need LESLIE FRAISER to rebuild the D!

  • January 9, 2009

    12:02 p.m.

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    ArvadaMiner writes:

    Broncos4Life1 writes, "he's just a Rooney Rule interviewee".

    Um, didn't they already interview Raheem Morris and Leslie Frazier? I think the Broncos already had the Rooney Rule covered, so let's give Bowles some credit. Parcells generally has a reputation for telling it like it is, so if he sees something in Bowles, then he's probably worth a look. Hey, if Bowlen learns something about the change that happened in Miami in the process, the interview was probably worth the effort even if they don't hire Bowles.

  • January 9, 2009

    1:24 p.m.

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    Dynamicdave writes:

    ArvadaMiner, agreed. Although I will say the "Rooney Rule" is a joke. Hire by qualifications, not by race. These "so called minorities" are making 5-6 figures a year. I think you should interview and hire by what a person can do for the team. The NFL should have no say on what an owner does to make his team successful, providing he's not a blatant racist. I think government and society, over-play the "minority" card, in many different aspects of life, in general.

  • January 9, 2009

    2:32 p.m.

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    dilligaf writes:

    Is it me or is everyone else tired of bring in people just because they are on a teams staff that is winning or was apart of a team that turned things around. I guess we need to maybe wait to see who wins the SB and interview all of their staff. Including the towel boys. Believe it or not there are very good capable coaches on losing teams. Again GM is our need. Miami turned things around because of a GM called Parcells. Not the coaches. HE BROUGHT IN BETTER PERSONNEL!!!!!!!!

  • January 9, 2009

    3:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    dilligaf, coach needs to be done 1st, while they are available. I don't quite agree with the "getting a coach from other team who may not necessarily have a winning record." I think it makes more sense to hire someone with a winning record? The offensive and defensive coaches that are on these winning teams. More often then not, the O and D coaches have a winning unit and stats to back it, throughout their career. I for one, am not "tired of it". I applaud it and am excited about what this team can do with the right, "winning" coach. Now, after the coach is picked, they will get a GM to get players. Draft is a ways away. No big rush.

  • January 9, 2009

    3:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    freddyfender writes:

    Please Hire Spagnoulo, he is the best man for the job. Read this article from the NY times, good stuff!
    www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/sports/football/08spagnuolo.html?_r=1

  • January 9, 2009

    3:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    freddyfender writes:

    OOPS, try this address for Spagnoulo story.
    www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/sports/football/08spagnuolo.html

  • January 9, 2009

    3:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    discer writes:

    Last nights Orange Bowl has proven two things to me.
    1. We need a playoff in College Football
    2. Bob Stoops should stay at the college level. He is not an NFL coach nor should he be.

  • January 9, 2009

    4:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    wickster writes:

    Mr. Stoops seems to lack the objective self control needed to make the jump to the professional level. Really hard effort and over the top public criticism at the college level may work with the refs and the "kids", but stubbornly running the same counter dive play inside the ten yard line 4 times won't hack it at the pro level. A shorter field is just that, and the adjustments needed were not made to address the strengths of the opponent. When you run up the score at will all season long, habits take form, but in a pro league where there is more equity, a new appoach (beyond hit 'em again harder) is needed. With a track record of not making these adjustments in the big bowl games, it does not bode well for making the adjustments at the next level.

  • January 9, 2009

    6:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    opusuno writes:

    I fully agree.. OU wins that game if the coaches let the team play. Looking over at the sidelines totally interrupted all the rhythm they had going. Stoops is an idiot to let that call the offense by committee even happen.

  • January 9, 2009

    11:50 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tlcat06 writes:

    I am just shocked that you are all still arguing about Stoops. Last I heard he wasn't interested and stated to ESPN that he hadn't even been contacted even though everybody seemed to think he had. So. Interesting. I'd like to know what you all think of Bowles... seeing as how he's *actually* been interviewed. And that this article is more about him.

  • January 9, 2009

    11:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tlcat06 writes:

    Broncofan_in_Boston

    Utah should have played Florida.

  • January 10, 2009

    10:06 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    rustysc writes:

    With the exception of very poor play calling all season, and untimely injuries to key offensive players our offense is unstoppable. Pat told us bronco fans a couple of weeks ago that he expected we would get a great HC. Shanny said pat is the best owner in "sports". I agree with this. Therefore I'm sure He will hire the next great coach of some team's great defense. Spaggs does seem to be the best pick from the litter we've been shown, however, my personal choice and vote would be for schottenheimer. I know his rep about playoffs, but this is no reason to let his tallent sit at home all season. I give you 2 from many reasons for this...1st, this "rep" is nothing more than a bad rap that most of you will remember was born in 1986, and then again in 87' thanks to Elway. 2nd, and more importantly is the reason He sits at home. The easiest way to make the playoffs is to win the west. the only way to win the west for the next few years will be to stomp SD with "great" defense. How ironic would it be to win the west playing "Marty ball"? Defensive minded, with a great eye for players in all 3 aspects of the game. Oh yah, and He has got to be in major hate with SD right?

  • January 11, 2009

    2:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RoloFan writes:

    Guess Spagnuola is available now.