I can't say my initial reaction isn't that of excitement. Pat Bowlen doesn't hire football coaches, he enters into partnerships, ones that usually last a long time. Bowlen inherited Dan Reeves when he bought the team in 1984 and kept him around for 8 more seasons. After firing Reeves, Bowlen's first choice was Shanahan, who turned the job down due to the rocky relationship with Reeves. Bowlen settled on DC Wade Phillips, but everyone who was anyone close to the Broncos knew Phillips was just keeping the seat warm, as the team waited for the right moment to get Shanahan. Bowlen did that two years later, giving the former San Francisco 49'er, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, keys to the car, the house, the winter cottage in aspen and the beach house in Santa Monica. That partnership lasted 14 seasons.
In McDaniels, Bowlen went back in time. He nabbed a young, up and coming offensive talent with his eyes set on a long-term vision. If Bowlen has his way, McDaniels would be roaming the Mile High sidelines 14 years from now. So even if the youngster is a year or two away from being "ready", if the vision is long term, and Bowlen thinks this is the guy to make that commitment to, why not grab him now?
There will be time to dissect this, especially as McDaniels puts his defensive staff together. This move will also put into question the offensive assistants that Bowlen has reportedly 'urged' McDaniels to keep. A couple of 32 years olds, McDaniels and Bates, would be quite an offensive pair, one that in my opinion would have a tough time co-existing. For now, however, for the first time since 1995, we as Broncos fans get to look forward to something different. We get to look forward to an unknown future. Sure, it is a bit unnerving, but damn it is a bit exciting as well.
No matter who you wanted as coach - Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris, Jason Garrett, Lezlie Frazier, Rick Dennison, etc - the time has come for Broncos fans to come together in support of the new Head Coach as he gets to the work of rebuilding this football team, in talent and attitude.
A hearty welcome to Josh McDaniels, Head Coach of the Denver Broncos!
Josh McDaniels Bio
Age: 32
College: John Carroll(Cleveland, OH!!!)
Playing experience: Collegiate wide receiver
Coaching experience
1999-2000: Graduate assistant, Michigan State
2001: Personnel assistant, New England Patriots
2002-03: Defensive assistant, New England
2004-present: Quarterbacks coach, New England
2006-present: Offensive coordinator, New England