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Broncos players excited about young coach

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 11, 2009 at 11:05 p.m.

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NEWARK, N.J. — At age 32, Josh McDaniels won't be much older than some of the players he'll coach in Denver.

That doesn't seem to bother Broncos players, who, themselves are skewing Generation Y.

"Oh, man, I think that's going to be great," Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall said Sunday night, shortly after learning of McDaniel's hire from team personnel executive Jim Goodman. "Our locker room definitely has changed from a very veteran team to young guys with good character, but at the end of the day, still young.

"And from that standpoint, to have a coach in there around the same age as the guys in the locker room, he can relate to things we're about; it makes it a little easier as far as the transition.

"A lot of the guys are excited."

McDaniels, 32, has worked eight years with the New England Patriots, the past two as offensive coordinator. He joined the club as a personnel assistant, then advanced up the ladder to a defensive assistant with the Patriots (2002-03), quarterbacks coach (2004) and to his last position in '06.

New England set records for scoring, with 589 points, behind MVP Tom Brady last year and just missed the playoffs despite untested Matt Cassel forced into action at quarterback this season. Cassel ended up having a breakout season under McDaniels' tutelage.

McDaniels, an Ohio native, replaces Mike Shanahan, who was fired after Denver missed the playoffs for the third straight season. He'll be the Broncos' 12th head coach in franchise history.

"That's enthusiasm, man," cornerback Dre Bly said of his new coach, who's only one year older than he is. "Coach Shanahan had a lot of respect. Guys looked up to him and had a good relationship. But with a guy like him, it's like with (Broncos 2007 passing game coordinator) Jeremy Bates - exciting, enthusiasm. It's like what Mike Tomlin brings to Pittsburgh. He brings excitement to that team. It's good for our team. And I hope we respond to him."

Some players still were trying to figure out just who their new coach was, with only a cursory knowledge of McDaniels' background.

"I just know that he was the offensive coordinator," left tackle Ryan Clady said. "But it's going to be exciting to see what he can do with the personnel we have and his scheme."

"He's shown that he can win in New England," defensive end Elvis Dumervil added. "We'll see what happens."

That holds true on both sides of the ball.

Denver's offense ranked second in the NFL but was only 16th in scoring, at 23.1 points per game.

"Even though we had some good coaches here - and still do - the things he was able to do on the offensive side of the ball with them last year with the awesome run the Patriots had, undefeated all the way to the Super Bowl, and all the records they broke, it goes further than the players making plays," Marshall said, adding that Denver's coaches previously took elements from New England's offense, given that significant success.

"Somebody has to coach the guys up, and it says a lot about him," Marshall added. "And if he can get someone to help on the defensive side of the ball, too, we can go a long way."

That defensive architect still is to be determined, as is the accompanying philosophy.

"He's been around a 3-4 system. That might be the direction he goes. I don't know," Bly said. "But that's the nature of the beast. Coaches bring in coordinators and use the schemes they're comfortable with. And that affects us. . . . I'm sure guys will be excited either way because of the fact we landed a new coach, a young guy and can move forward knowing the direction we're going."

Denver interviewed seven candidates in all. And there was a widely held belief publicly that the team, given its 29th-ranked defense, would hire a coach with a defensive background. But the Broncos obviously didn't feel obligated to make that call.

"It's an offensive town, starting with (John) Elway and coach Shanahan. That's what they're used to here," Bly said. "It really doesn't matter. As long as we get things worked out and we're effective out there."

That'll be kid's play, with McDaniels on board, possibly augmented by some veteran assistants.

"I've had young coaches before, especially in college," Clady said. "So I'm used to it."

Comments

  • January 12, 2009

    12:36 a.m.

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    Bigg_Nuggets writes:

    I trust Brandon Marshall's judgement................................

  • January 12, 2009

    12:44 a.m.

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    Bigg_Nuggets writes:

    Sorry, I had to say it. I mean the two most prominent interviews are with Marshall and Bly? That being said I like this hire. Truth be told a staff wins and loses games, so it will be interesting to see who comes in with him. I would prefer Nolan to be honest. I don't trust Capers. I think I posted a number of times that there was a disconnect this season in enthusiasm and life in the team at times and that Shannahan needed to find someone to relate the message to young guys, but it looks like Bowlen did it for him. If McDaniels comes in and leads the team with emotion and swagger and the assistants do thier jobs then this will work out. It is not fair to relate this hiring to Kiffin, either. This team has talent. This team will win games regardless of the coach. What remains to be seen is what the entire staff will look like and how that staff will reflect on the defensive mentallity of the team. Also, hiring a coach with a defensive background as so many people including the esteemed Deon Sanders have been calling for really makes no sense. A head coach is in charge of the ENTIRE team. What really matters for the defense changing is the DC and the personel, without an upgrade in both it won't matter who the Broncos have as a head coach.

  • January 12, 2009

    12:53 a.m.

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    5acusage writes:

    Great choice ! Now bring on Capers.

  • January 12, 2009

    1:22 a.m.

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    Dynamicdave writes:

    Bigg_Nuggets, and let the process begin. McDaniels, Nolan as DC. We could have a great season. Looking to the positive.

  • January 12, 2009

    3:28 a.m.

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    gahoaglund writes:

    I like the choice, keep us exciting on offense and possibly even more dynamic, bring in Nolan and the 3-4, DRAFT WELL with our 9 picks, and get some enthusiasm from the whole team not just a stupid dance after a tackle for a 5 yard gain (Winborn). It's going to be a LONG, LONG offseason waiting to see what we will have!

  • January 12, 2009

    5:27 a.m.

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    gylizard1 writes:

    I think that McDaniels will be great..he obviously has his act together if Bellicheck gave him the reins to run that offense..and he understands the defensive side of the ball as well having been the defensive backs coach as well before that. It will be interesting to see whom he hires as the Defensive coach..or will that be his responsiblity? I am also curious as to whether the fact that he is already tight with Pioli that that might help land the Patriots GM for Denver as well? I see the Chiefs are breathing hot down his neck. What does surprise me..is that even with the Giants early exit and Spagnuolo being available now much quicker than we thought he would be..that we went ahead and pulled the trigger on McDaniels so early. Let's all wish him the best of luck..he has a heck of a project ahead of him..especially on the defensive side of the ball.

  • January 12, 2009

    6:53 a.m.

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    MRBONG writes:

    an offensive coach thats just what the 2nd ranked offense needed,a coach with no exp. . this will help the defense for sure .this is a joke right ,Pat Bowlen is an idiot and this proves it, lets not take the defensive coach who beat this guys offense in the super bowl HOW DOES THIS HELP ???

  • January 12, 2009

    7:13 a.m.

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    MrWright writes:

    This is an exciting time to be a fan...I can not wait to see some changes on both sides of the ball, inject some enthusiasm into our team, and start playing for something big at the end of each year!!! Of course it is a crab shoot on some level but McDaniels has been around the Pats in their magnificent run at three titles and an undefeated season! If our personel people can get some quality defenders...Capers or Nolan would be exceptional choices to get our D at least in the middle of the pack if not better. With our offense we will win 3-4 more games a year! Choice!! GO BRONCOS!!!

  • January 12, 2009

    7:22 a.m.

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    gahoaglund writes:

    I for sure didn't want some grinder defensive minded coach coming in here and screwing up our offensive continuity! I like the idea of a video game offense, and a Mike Nolan 3-4 defense (See Baltimore in 02-04). Nolan was our LB coach back in the 80's....great units! I am exited that they did not go with a defensive head coach and got a great defensive coordinator instead!

  • January 12, 2009

    7:55 a.m.

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    jr_mcmillin writes:

    One thing is certain, McDaniels has a good idea of what needs to be fixed on the Defense. He gamed the Pats picking apart of the Broncs this season. Knowing how to pick them apart makes it easier to plug the holes. I like Slowik, and am hoping they keep him and let him get "His type" players this off-season, but alas, sounds like Capers may get the nod. The next couple of weeks will be interesting watching events unfold. One good thing about last season..... Our young players had the chance to show off their skills, and I truly believe the Broncs have good, young and experienced talent ready to hit the camps this spring.

  • January 12, 2009

    8:55 a.m.

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    MTBroncofan writes:

    Wow, that was kind of a shocker to read about McDaniels. I wanted Spags... but then again, I'm not writing paychecks and I didn't sit through any interviews.

    I'm excited to see what happens - from who becomes the new D coordinator, what happens to the offensive coaching staff, what happens to current players on the roster, who gets drafted, who becomes the GM...

    This is not your fathers Broncos anymore.

  • January 12, 2009

    8:56 a.m.

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    R8R_H8R writes:

    B-Marshall says; "Our locker room definitely has changed from a very veteran team to young guys with good character,"

    Young guys with good character? Quite the contrary. There was MUCH talk on sports radio about the severe lack of respect, the significant lack of character of numerous un-named players on Offense. Many reports talked about Mike Shanahan being red-HOT mad while waiting for several players on offense who were LATE to take the plane to San Diego. Younger guys were reported as un-attentitive and dis-respectful in meetings.

    A few Hall of Fame players have recently summed it up perfectly. .............. too many players of today are spoiled brats. Punks. Self-absorbed. Nothing resembling team players, no matter how many times they profess to be. They are over-paid and under-acheiving. They don't work hard enough, and they get paid too much for their lack of effort.

  • January 12, 2009

    9:18 a.m.

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    TONE writes:

    I'm excited to see how thing will unfold. I like the idea of having an offensive mind guy, since we already have an offense for him to work with. Hope we just get a good DC. I like what I also saw from some of the younger guy that finally got a chance to showcase some of their talent of defense. Lets just hope that next year we will not be plague with injury like this year. I'm excited about having Larson back in that LB position also. Man he sure look like Karl Mackerberg(spelling might be wrong). Maybe all the injuries this year is not a bad thing after all. Without it, we may not have seen how Larson and some other roockies play this year.

    GO BRONCO!!!!

    Heheheheehheheheheee..... YEAH CHARGER!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!! I was enjoying it!!!! hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  • January 12, 2009

    9:58 a.m.

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    Itchy writes:

    I think it’s funny that Dre Bly keeps talking about how the new coaches will be good for “us”. If I were the head coach the first move I would make would be to cut Bly and his Ole tackling technique. I think a 3-4 defense would be good for us. The 3-4 usually is able to create a lot of pressure on the quarterback, something we’ve been unable to do for a long time. I know we dabbled in the 3-4 before but we obviously weren’t too committed to it and that’s the biggest reason why it failed.

  • January 12, 2009

    10:51 a.m.

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    ORBroncoFan53 writes:

    Dynamicdave I don't have a problem with broncos_fan_no_matter_how_painful but if he/she is going to call me out on what I have to say, he lacks credibility when he can't even get Shanahan's college right. Anyway I am hoping it really is Nolan, but no matter who comes in if they run a 3-4 defense we are going to have a lot of personnel changes, If we remember thats why the Jets traded Robertson he didn't fit that scheme.Listening to Bly and Marshall talk about how happy they were to have a young coach did take me back to when I was a kid and my Mom and Dad would go out and we were happy because we knew we could work the baby sitter.I have heard some of the same things as some others about the lack of respect young players sometimes showed last year and that was what I was getting at.As long as McDaniels lays the law down he should be ok.

  • January 12, 2009

    10:56 a.m.

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    bilco writes:

    It's soooo funny to hear how Dre Bly feels about the new coach. Hey Dre...you arn't gonna be around next year, so whatever you have to say means NOTHING!!!

    C'YA, BICYCLE, buh bye!

  • January 12, 2009

    11:18 a.m.

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    GreekBoy writes:

    Does anybody else think that McDaniels looks like Jim Carey?

  • January 12, 2009

    11:30 a.m.

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    curoma writes:

    I'm glad that the "players" are excited for this hire, me too. But all I have to do is watch the games, read the fodder in these posts, see & hear the news on TV and post my opinions here 'n there.

    I HOPE that as a result of their "excitement", somewhere in there that Bly learns how to tackle! and Marshall learns to run forward!

  • January 12, 2009

    11:56 a.m.

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    bassman writes:

    Who fits the 3-4 scheme on our team? Perhaps, Elvis can transition to OL because he's way too small to play DE on a 3-4. Ray Maulauga from USC, taken with a 1st pick, would be the physical run stopper at ILB that we need. DJ, Winborn and Woodyard are decent players but undersized for this scheme. Crowder is big enough at DE and Marcus Thomas could probably transition to DE. But these two, especially Crowder, haven't shown much yet. The starting DE, opposite Elvis, is a competent run stopper. The draft is deep at DT and safety and Shanny left us with 2 extra picks. But no matter who came in as head coach, this D was going to be poor. This team has to be built around offense. If McDaniels can coach Cassell to an 11-5 record, imagine what he can do with Cutler.

  • January 12, 2009

    1:08 p.m.

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    ROO6894 writes:

    It truly is disappointing to see so many naysayers in the Bronco Nation. I say we suc* it up, put our man pants on, realize we have some rebuilding to do on defense and go for the ride. Except for turning into the hapless Detroit Lions (which I don't forsee), can it really get worse? Lets get this party started! I'm psyched!
    And while I'm able to blog freely, I'd like to give a get well soon shout out to Big Number 22--politically correct or not; young Mr. Hillis was the best running back the Broncos have seen since (dare I say) Terrell Davis. Hillis brought speed, great hands, attitude and the LUMBER. Good luck to you young man.

  • January 12, 2009

    1:20 p.m.

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    Spider writes:

    I kind of was hoping for a defensive orientated guy, but if the owner and his advisors chose this coach after all the interviews, there must have been good reason. My understanding is that part of the interview process was for those being interviewed to come in with a plan for bringing in a coaching staff. The Denver brass must have liked what they saw. BTW chargertom should be happy. I got banned from the chargers blog as a troll for stating that Woody (Phyllis Rivers) sure missed Buzz Lightyear (LT) in yesterdays game. What was so bad about that?

  • January 12, 2009

    1:31 p.m.

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    OrangeCrusher writes:

    I could see that Hillis was a beast during preseason but then Shanny let him ride the bench until everyone else was hurt. He didn't recognize Hillis' tallent I guess?

    McDaniels must give Hillis a chance to be the star Tail Back! HE CAN DO IT!!

  • January 12, 2009

    2:37 p.m.

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    wsanders787 writes:

    Okay, now we have a coach. Next, let's gut the defense, starting with Dre Bly, Niko Koutouvides, John Engleberg, The whole Florida defensive line draft class, Dre Bly, Champ Baily (trade for draft picks), Carl Paymah, Dre Bly, Josh Barrett, Dre Bly, Boss Baily. And did I mention Dre Bly?

  • January 12, 2009

    2:44 p.m.

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    tomk writes:

    Hi guys, esp.Dynamicdave who always seems an absolutely committed Broncos fan and not a mindless pessimistic critic. I have been carefully following this saga and believe that a young coach can connect more with some of our youthful brats than MS. It's a generation game. In Scotland in our football, 2 of the most improved teams are managed (we don't separate the GM/HC roles like you guys) by very young managers who were actually playing for the teams they now manage a couple of years ago. Neither is a soft touch. Only time will tell how it works out. Hope for the best. Meanwhile during your endless close season I return to my beloved Glasgow Rangers as we are only halfway through our season. I shall return to your debates soon, but try and find a Denver sports bar that shows a Rangers v Celtic game in February and see if you don't find the passion exciting. Good luck, Tom.

  • January 12, 2009

    2:56 p.m.

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    jersey writes:

    Age is relative. It's all about the knowledge and the ability to convey it and have it accepted regardless of the age. Need look no further than what Harbough of the Cardinals has done. No gray beard by a long stretch. Philly...23 My boys...11, ouch! I'm on vacation with ya!

  • January 12, 2009

    4:11 p.m.

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    yamahabass2 writes:

    The Colts hired a defensive coach a few years back and that really screwed up their offense. LOL A head coach has to coach both sides of the ball so just because the Broncos hired an offensive coach does not mean the defense will not improve. They sure can't get any worse.

  • January 12, 2009

    4:20 p.m.

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    broncoken writes:

    I am excited to see we got Josh, offensive minded coach, look out we will have the #1 offense that will score in the red zone. I say Nolan will be a great fit as well, and Capers will do as well, but with Capers only being an assistant coach for New England last season, maybe all this talk about Capers coming to Denver is still correct, maybe he is coming here to be an assistant to Nolan, wouldn't that be awsome, 2 ex-defensive coordinators on the staff remolding our D. That would be the way to get our D back to where it should be and get us back to the big dance at the end of the season. We will just have to wait and see how it plays out, but for now, at least we have a young exciting new coach that will only make Cutler an even better QB. Go Broncos!!!!

  • January 12, 2009

    5:38 p.m.

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    rustysc writes:

    As a lifelong fan of the orange and blue I am backing this choice of coach unconditionally, however, I cant for the life of me figure out how we or anybody else for that matter can let Marty Schottenhiemer sit at home yet another season. This guy's tallent is unmistakeable, poorly defined, and is exactly what we needed to win the west. He's a genious in every aspect of the game.