Although Dennis Allen improved the Broncos defense his defensive scheme failed miserably against the Patriots in a 45 to 10 route. The Broncos only had an 8-8 record last regular season (9-9 in the playoffs) which was the same as the Raiders, and San Diego.
Allen did improve the Broncos from last in team defense to 20th. Allen is not likely to lead the Raiders back to playoffs mostly because Denver and San Diego will probably have a two team competition for the division next year.
In terms of new Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith linebackers coach who was a Defensive Coordinator in Houston is available. Larry Coyer is also available but is in semi retirement. Elway and Xanders can get a list of qualified coordinators together if the team decides to go external.
I'm starting to believe that Jack Del Rio from Jacksonville might be a good choice for Defensive Coordinator. Since the Broncos are interested in a lot of Corner Backs, and Defensive lineman in the draft--we need the best Coordinator just to get back in the playoffs next season.
Allen is probably going to find the same problems that Hue Jackson did last year, and without many draft picks
left from the Carson Palmer trade--he is not going to have much to work with.
I look forward to the Broncos hopefully beating the Raiders twice next season to show Allen what the
AFC west is really all about.