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Capers, Nolan among candidates to be Broncos' next defensive coordinator

Rocky Mountain News

Published January 11, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.

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Two Broncos players said Sunday night they had been told Dom Capers would be the team's new defensive coach. Capers is a former Steelers defensive coordinator – the team had the league's No. 1 defense in 1992 during Capers' tenure – as well as former Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans head coach.

However there were indications that former 49ers coach Mike Nolan could be the pick as well and there were some in the league Sunday night who said they believed current Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott would end up on new head coach Josh McDaniels' staff.

With Capers or Nolan, however, that would also seem to indicate the Broncos will switch to a 3-4 look on defense since that is what Capers, who was the Patriots' special assistant and secondary coach this past year, and Nolan have run for the majority of their careers and what the Patriots have played under Bill Belichick during McDaniels' time with the team.

Comments

  • January 11, 2009

    9:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    OrangeCrush_77 writes:

    Capers has usually run a 3-4, right? Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that's the case. Interesting.

  • January 11, 2009

    9:55 p.m.

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    Vegas_Bronco writes:

    Prediction:
    Goodman will serve as the new GM, meaning Bowlen didn't hire a coach without input from the position.
    Bates, Dennison and Turner will stay as long as egos stay out of it and they all want to win first.
    Cutler runs McDaniels' spread offense as well as Brady, way better than Cassel, and we score a ton of points.
    Capers improves the D to a middle of the pack unit in the first year, which will equal at least 3 more wins even with next year's brutal schedule
    Wild Card Victory!

  • January 11, 2009

    10:07 p.m.

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    Mr_Ed writes:

    I don't get this. It may be a good choice to develop Cutler, but the only thing our offense really needed was to learn how to keep from coughing up the ball, and to keep down the injuries. I don't like think Dom is the answer to our defense. I guess we'll see.

  • January 11, 2009

    10:07 p.m.

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    leon writes:

    Capers does run the 3-4 and his teams usually tackle the man with the ball.

  • January 11, 2009

    10:14 p.m.

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    Horvil_Tiki writes:

    hey guy. I not know a hole lot about the caper but I not like how they taste. Lady sayed try this and it was capers and it was real foul. I hope the dom capered is not foul like this. If they makey the three four defence that would be crazy guy. We have has all kinds of line backs to make it work maybe. I just wonder if the evlis doomvil could tow the load as defence end then you know what I saying holmes. If the caper makey 3 4 maybe the make the doomvil line back cause we need crazy guy, three crazy guy up front to tell evry body what time it is like the vice wilfork or the boderick bunkly

  • January 11, 2009

    10:32 p.m.

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    Mtnsportsfan writes:

    Capers will teach them to tackle that will be good!!!

  • January 11, 2009

    10:34 p.m.

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    Cutler6 writes:

    Adam Sheffter is reporting that Mike Nolan will be the new broncos DC

  • January 11, 2009

    10:35 p.m.

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    RMThunder writes:

    Others are reporting Mike Nolan for D Cord....

  • January 11, 2009

    11:36 p.m.

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    avsfan71085 writes:

    http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/01/11/mcdan...

    yep Mike Nolan, we all know how good Schefter is

  • January 12, 2009

    5:25 a.m.

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    matadco writes:

    What little I know it seems to me the first thing a new HC & DC need to do is reteach tackling, something players seems to have forgotten how to do. Last time I looked that was still the name of the game. Second, DBs can't make plays (either interceptions or tackles) 10 yds off receivers. (See #1) Finally, injuries, the one catagroy Broncos ranked number one in this year. There has to be a reason why so many and get it fixed.

  • January 12, 2009

    7:02 a.m.

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    gatengreen writes:

    San Diego proved in the third quarter yesterday that defense wins ball games. Rivers was totally ineffective standing on the sidelines shivering his rear off.

  • January 12, 2009

    7:11 a.m.

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    bjones73 writes:

    Tirico from ESPN was just on the radio...it's Nolan...take the rumor you have disguised as news off the site RMN

  • January 12, 2009

    8:04 a.m.

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    Caleb2001 writes:

    Just as long as who ever the co-ordinator is makes the defense learn how to tackle, and runs an aggressive, attacking defense, who cares? We have everything in place to run a 3-4, with the exception of a huge nose tackle, which we could get either thru the draft or free agency. Now we need a smart GM to help both the head coach and the co-ordinators get the people we need on both sides of the ball. Let's fix what is broken and go from there, we need a good GM to tie all of this together. Someone who can evaluate talent and knows how to get good players. Mike Shanahan did this initially to get the broncos over the hump and into winning super bowls. I hope we get a GM who can do the same. This team is not that far away, it just needs a great defensive co-ordinator and a great GM.

  • January 12, 2009

    8:18 a.m.

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    hallandnash writes:

    The last time the Broncos had a good D was the 1st 8 games with Ray Rhodes before he left the team. The point? He was a qualified ex-head coach.. that's the last time Shanahan hired that qualified of a guy to run his D.

    Now we are looking at 2 ex-head coaches .. great move.

  • January 12, 2009

    8:47 a.m.

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    cjbrown writes:

    I love Horvil_Tiki, his comments really speak volumes....I think. A little Horvil on a Monday morning is really an awesome way to cure a hangover.

  • January 12, 2009

    9:04 a.m.

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    R8R_H8R writes:

    any one of these guys would be great to have. However, if a Strong Nose Tackle was easy to find, ALOT more teams would run a 3-4 Defense. They are few and far apart because, without a dominant man in the middle, the scheme is in-effective.
    Dewayne Robertson left the Jets because he did NOT want to play Nose Tackle. Said it just did not come naturally for him and he wasn't real good at it.

  • January 12, 2009

    9:20 a.m.

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    kslaw23 writes:

    Let's hope that Mike Nolan is not selected. Read the following link regarding his defense rankings with other teams.

    http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/blogs/e...

  • January 12, 2009

    10:03 a.m.

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    FreeToChoose writes:

    Hire Sean McDermott for the DC job!!!

    Jimmy Johnson's other protege, Spagnuolo, has blossomed with the Giants in the same role and league defenses are all adopting similar schemes. Broaden the scope even wider and you'll find Andy Reid's former coaches are all thriving... Childress in MN, Spagnuolo for the NYG, Harbaugh in Baltimore. He obviously is a good coaches' coach.
    Plus, why would you want old former head coaches hanging around when you go with a young guy as Head Coach? It will just undercut McDaniels' authoriy. It's time to start fresh.

  • January 12, 2009

    10:05 a.m.

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    Jojowalk writes:

    Horvil_Tiki makes my Mondays too! Keep posting Horvil because your enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you!

  • January 12, 2009

    10:28 a.m.

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    slickwilly writes:

    Would this make Jarvis Moss relevant again? If the Nolan/Capers does run a 3-4 I would think that Moss could be another D. Ware or J. Porter type. Or, dare I say it,.......LT (the original)?

    Bring in Taylor Mays at safety and the defense can start to play more agressive and actually hit people again.

  • January 12, 2009

    11:51 a.m.

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    IAbronco writes:

    Hey... and you know who you are... It is spelled D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!--- NOT d-e-f-e-n-c-e. Get it??

  • January 12, 2009

    12:12 p.m.

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    PDXBroncos writes:

    A switch to the 3-4 would be quite interesting given the Broncos have a few guys that may flourish in the scheme. Woodyard, Larsen, DJ and ? The line would have to be overhauled, of course. Look for Dwayne to exit--after all, he said it himself when he came over from the Jets--he was not suited for the nosetackle position.

    Hopefully, guys like Elvis can adapt and perhaps step up his game. What about Marcus Thomas, Jarviss Moss and Tim Crowder? Look for crazy competition when camp opens this summer. Hopefully they do a good job in the draft!

    On offense, there is not too much to discuss aside from depth and getting the running game on track. We shall see if Torain can stay healthy and live up to Shanny's wild boast. Personally, I would like to see Torain and Hillis stand out this offseason. Hillis obviously endeared himself to coaches and fans last season, but I think this kid is going to continue to improve.

    So many questions to answer. Coach Josh has his work cut out for him.

  • January 12, 2009

    12:22 p.m.

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    CanadianBronco writes:

    Its defence in Canada. So technically the poster is correct.
    GEt It?

  • January 12, 2009

    12:37 p.m.

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    Rutabaga writes:

    How do they spell defense in Tibet? That's what I want to know...

  • January 12, 2009

    12:39 p.m.

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    bassman writes:

    The offense will be awesome and why not play to your strengths when hiring a coach. As to a 3-4 alignment, we need some pieces. Ekuban is a good run stopper at one DE. Perhaps Crowder can become a decent option at the other DE. A nose tackle in the draft is a must. We could trade up in the 1st round and get the Alabama behemoth. Or we could stay put and get Ray Maulagua at ILB at #12. We need Elvis to transition to OLB. Slick willy is crazy if he thinks Moss could be anything more than decent at OLB. Peppers, Ware and Lt were great players from the start. But, the broncos could trade down in the 1st round and get his safety Mays. DJ, Winborn and Woodyard are decent but undersized for this scheme. It's gonna take a couple of good drafts to get this defense up to snuff. In the meantime, an improved Cutler, Clady and Hillis can get us to the playoffs. Can McDaniels reign in the immaturity on this team? Is he tough enough to command their respect?

  • January 12, 2009

    1 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SteveC writes:

    Tiki usually gives me a headache and leaves me very confused. I'm not sure if I agree with what he said or not because I don't know what he said. His comment about Norf Turnip awhile ago left me rolling on the floor though! (God how I hope he actually means to write like that or I'm gonna feel really bad about laughing at him.)

  • January 12, 2009

    1:24 p.m.

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    Knude writes:

    I wish they would get back to the basics instead of all these Capers and Josh McDanieling around. I'd think that after fourteen years of Mike Shenanigans they would learn that.

  • January 12, 2009

    1:39 p.m.

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    curoma writes:

    It was just reported on NFL ch. that the Bronco's are hiring Nolan to be DC. The pieces are falling into place rather quickly now that the HC has been chosen.
    Like both decisions, (if Nolan is real).

  • January 12, 2009

    1:45 p.m.

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    Johnnyk7 writes:

    I still think that the Minnesota or Tampa Bay Defensive coor'd. would be the way to go...

  • January 12, 2009

    1:58 p.m.

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    oc60 writes:

    New Head Coach Josh McDaniels will have no problems recruiting or selecting an experienced DC. Who wouldn't want to be a part of the Broncos now because of their super talented offense. For the first time in 10 years I think the Broncos Fans will see great coaches lining up to coach in Denver. Shanahan's biggest weakness was attracting quality coaches with the exception of Turner & Dennison. With Shanahan gone we will see some great mentoring and coaching. Can't wait to see the new "Broncos Era" unfold. The fact Nolan and Capers are interested, two former head coaches tells us what they think of Broncos new head coach McDaniels. This is a most exciting time for Bronco fans. Super Bowl in 3 years or less.

  • January 12, 2009

    2:09 p.m.

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    Squatch writes:

    I wish they would bring in Rob Ryan as the new defensive coordinator that poor guy stays in Oakland and get over looked every year since the offense is so bad they are always on the field.

  • January 12, 2009

    2:11 p.m.

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    Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

    I don't think Denver has much in place for the 3-4 at all.

    The outside linebackers in a 3-4 are hybrid DE/LB types that can rush the passer. Theoretically, Jarvis Moss fits that type. These guys have to cover at times too. Not sure he can cover.

    The inside linebackers are more middle linebacker types of which we have Niko and Nate, both of whom are not very good.

    The nose tackle has to be large and have first step quickness... we have nobody nearly big enough. Marcus Thomas plays at about 300. These are the hardest players to find and not often available in free agency.

    The DE's in the 3-4 are bigger guys who occupy blockers more than rush the passer. The 3 down lineman are supposed to occupy the o-line to allow the linebackers to make plays. Thomas would fit the end position better in the 3-4. Doom would be far too small. Think Richard Seymour and Ty Warren in NE. They are athletic 300 lbers.

    I agree that we have some talent at LB. Woodyard looked good, DJ just wasn't healthy but by all accounts, he's a good player, Winborn for all his "enthusiasm" definitely moves well and was around the ball. Boss... I don't know, plus he had microfracture surgery... I don't think that's a good sign. Haggans seemed to play well.

    But having 4 good linebackers doesn't mean they fit the 3-4.

    I'm not ripping anyone, but the teams I follow fairly closely are SD (rival), Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh native, most of my family and older friends are Steeler fans), and the hated Pats (geography and hatred). They are the better 3-4 teams in the league. I'm not an expert, but I'm just familiar with these teams and their personnel.

    I'm not saying we shouldn't go to a 3-4, or that we can't. I mean, we are rebuilding anyway. But I think a couple of the good pieces we have, might be miscast in the 3-4. Dumervil and Woodyard might not fit in anywhere. DJ would probably move inside, Marcus Thomas to end. Maybe Moss would be good at DE/LB.

    If they are going to make the switch, it will probably take a couple years to do it. A couple good drafts and some decent free agents.

    The good news is that the defense can't get much worse, can they?? I'm sure whoever comes in will not try to run a defense without the proper personnel.

  • January 12, 2009

    5 p.m.

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    CanadianBronco writes:

    Great points Boston..

    Now its time for the press conference.

  • January 12, 2009

    5:20 p.m.

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    liesandpropaganda08 writes:

    _in_Boston- I agree with most of the statements you made re: the 3-4 defense. Our LB's are not, for the most part, prototypical 3-4 guys. I think Boss could thrive but must restructure his contract. If not, bye bye. Webster makes alot of plays that don't include or effect the ballcarrier. Leave. DJ and Woodyard at OLB. Moss and ROOKIE at ILB. Thomas and FA at end, Trade Robertson. Get a NT via FA or trade (part of the Robertson deal?). Draft a big LB or Safety with the first pick, and remember what Goodman did in the later rounds. Trade these pick as a last resort. Big LB's are easier to find and cheaper to pay than big D lineman, and we should find good talent there in the later rounds.

  • January 12, 2009

    5:41 p.m.

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    Seawen writes:

    We don't have the pieces for a 3-4. The key is not the linebackers it's, the nose. We don't have a nose, and I don't see any top level noses on the free agent market. Which means we got to go to the draft.