Horse Tracks 1/19/10 - Pees likely replacement for Nolan, who appears headed to Dolphins

"The Denver Broncos and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have agreed to part ways, and a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton that Nolan is close to an agreement to take on the same role with the Miami Dolphins. Before the split, Miami sent in a request for permission to interview Nolan, sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The parting was friendly and gave Nolan a chance to move on and talk to the Dolphins, the source told Clayton."

"In large part because of differences in coaching styles, philosophies and game-day play calling, McDaniels, the Broncos' head coach, and Nolan, the team's defensive coordinator, decided at the conclusion of their meeting Monday to end their business relationship after just one season...McDaniels and Nolan moved quickly to fill their voids. Nolan will interview with the Miami Dolphins for their defensive coordinator position this week, while the Broncos are likely to soon name former New England assistant Dean Pees as their fifth defensive coordinator in five years."

"You never know who will take over. Will they bring in an insider or an outsider? Hopefully we run a similar scheme. If everything changes we have to start from scratch. You never know how that will effect the guys, but then again we have a lot of veterans," said (Andra) Davis.

"Some in the NFL, especially older coaches, believe McDaniels was too impulsive with his power during his first season at the top of the flow chart. That at times he was too quick to punish — cutting players such as punter Brett Kern, benching guard Ben Hamilton and then running more of the zone-blocking plays Hamilton excels at, and demoting other players such as cornerback Alphonso Smith to sign older players (Ty Law among them) who aren't in the team's long-term plans."

"Regardless of who replaces Nolan, he won’t find success unless McDaniels upgrades the team’s defensive front seven."

"Pulled over several hours before Sunday’s game, Jackson was cited for driving with a suspended license and expired tags, according to San Diego Police. Detective Gary Hassen said a radar unit initially stopped Jackson for "loud music," and after it was determined that the vehicle’s registration was expired and Jackson’s license was not valid, the player was briefly handcuffed."

"I don't really care who the Broncos hire to run the defense, as long as he does a good job."

Clady, Dumervil make it for Denver