Fansided
Fansided

Denver Broncos: Head coach search narrowed to two names

By Erik Lambert

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Mike Munchak, offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, looks on during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on November 17, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Mike Munchak, offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, looks on during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on November 17, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Denver Broncos weren’t the first team to hire their new head coach this offseason, but they could end up being the second.

This based on increasing reports that VP John Elway, who leads the search, has narrowed his list down to two names. These days most teams prefer to go the route the Los Angeles Rams with Sean McVay. They want to find a young, innovative offensive mind they can pair with the quarterback. It’s easy to understand why. Other teams have followed this model and found success. However, one would think there’s a limit to how many of these types are available.

The Green Bay Packers already scooped one up in Matt Lafleur. Would the Broncos try to follow suit? It doesn’t seem that way. Elway has never followed the trends most teams do. He tends to seek out coaches who have a strong capability on one side of the ball or the other, believing that being dominant on offense or defense makes it easier to round out a roster and compete for a championship. It certainly worked with Gary Kubiak.

Now Elway has his sights set on two names. Neither of who would be considered “the norm” according to Mike Klis of 9News.

"“The Broncos’ head coach job search should make Elway feel young again. The 58-year-old general manager appears to be deciding between the 60-year-old Fangio and 58-year Mike Munchak to become the Broncos’ next head coach.Either way, the Broncos are about to have one of the oldest GM-head coach pairings in the NFL.”"

Denver Broncos taking a risk either way with Munchak or Fangio

Experience can be a huge benefit to a head coaching candidate in the NFL. Several of the most successful coaches in history had significant prior experience prior to getting their job. Still, there is an element of risk in play for the Broncos here. Munchak was head coach in Tennessee for three seasons, going 22-24 during that span with little that stood out in regards to success. Fangio? He’s been a great defensive coordinator for years but has never been a head coach in his life.

At least guys like John Fox and Gary Kubiak came in with prior success. Fox had led the Panthers to a Super Bowl in 2003. Kubiak took the Texans to the playoffs multiple times. Neither Munchak nor Fangio can make such claims. So Elway is going a bit more on faith this time around. Reports are conflicted about where things stand. Klis says Fangio may have a slight edge at present but others believe the job is Munchak’s to lose.

One should expect a decision to come soon.

Home/NFL Hot Takes