John Elway: "We want Peyton Manning back"

Elway, on if he sees Peyton Manning staying w/ the #Broncos: "I do."

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) January 13, 2015

It was widely speculated that the firing of John Fox signaled the end of the Peyton Manning era in Denver. Lay those rumors to rest. John Elway wants Peyton Manning back.  Elway also said that he told Peyton to take some time away. While the Broncos do not know what Peyton Manning is going to do, they will touch base again in a month or so.

Asked about Peyton Manning’s future, #Broncos GM John Elway says he had a great talk with Manning. "He needs to get away" before deciding.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2015

RT @AlanGTV: Elway says he told #PeytonManning: "Let's not even go into future." Says they'll talk again in 4-5 weeks pic.twitter.com/VDr0Fy0v0A

— CBSDenver (@CBSDenver) January 13, 2015

Elway when asked if he plans on Peyton Manning being part of that next step- "I do."

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 13, 2015

While the decision seems to be entirely on Peyton Manning in regards to his future, John Elway said that he would keep Peyton in the loop during the process to find a new coach. This suggests that any new head coaching candidate would have to be on board with Peyton Manning as their trigger man.

Elway: he'll talk with Manning in 4-5 weeks about future. "Bottom line is, we want him back, & it's going to come down to what he wants."

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 13, 2015

Elway: "Peyton's going to be involved. I'm going to talk to Peyton as we go through the process." But there is "no timeline" to hiring.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 13, 2015

When asked about his health, Elway stated that only Peyton knows how he feels. He did however state that he thought Peyton had at least another year left in the tank.

Elway, on Manning: "I think he does" have another season in him.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 13, 2015

In the end, this might have been the issue that caused the ultimate rift between Elway and Fox. Elway mentioned that he and Fox had differing visions on how to get to the next level. This is pure speculation, but perhaps Fox didn't see Manning and an aggressive passing offense as the way to go. Whatever the reason, Elway is firmly supportive of Peyton Manning and him being the starter in 2015. If Manning is not a Bronco in 2015, it will be because he decided to step away from the game.