With Gary Kubiak stepping down as head coach of the Denver Broncos, the search for his replacement starts now. This position should be the most coveted job in the entire NFL right now as the franchise is geared for immediate and sustained success.
1. Kyle Shanahan, Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator
The son of longtime Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan could follow in his father's footsteps and become the Head Coach of the Denver Broncos.
If as expected Gary Kubiak resigns, expect ATL offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to be on Broncos radar. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 1, 2017
Shanahan has been the Falcons offensive coordinator for two seasons and has helped turned that team into the Super Bowl contender they are currently.
In 2016 he has led an offense that has been the league's best and helped turn quarterback Matt Ryan into the leading candidate to be the NFL MVP in 2016. So he has earned the right to be a Head Coach and will likely get a job somewhere this offseason, but will it be with the Broncos?It makes sense.
It makes sense because the Broncos weakness is their offense currently. A young and innovative offensive mind could help turn around this team. Also, the Broncos have two young quarterbacks, and a coach like Shanahan may help one of them develop into a starting quarterback in this league.
Another reason why this makes sense is the scheme Shanahan runs. Like his father, and the Broncos soon to be former Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Kyle Shanahan runs a zone blocking offense. This scheme familiarity would help make for a smooth transition for the offense.
Right now, this would be my top choice for Head Coach for the Broncos.
2. Vance Joseph, Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
One name that keeps being mentioned as a potential replacement for Gary Kubiak is Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph.
Had the #Broncos not brought in Gary Kubiak 2 years ago, they likely would’ve hired now-#Dolphins DC Vance Joseph. Keep an eye on him in DEN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2017
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted out today that if the Broncos did not hire Gary Kubiak two years ago that they would have hired then Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Backs coach Vance Joseph.
The Broncos still tried to hire Joseph as their Defensive Coordinator, but the Bengals declined that so the Broncos ended up with Wade Phillips. Now Joseph is former Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase's Defensive Coordinator in Miami and has helped the Dolphins get back into the postseason this year.
So the Broncos obviously feel highly about Vance, but could they bring in a first-year Defensive Coordinator in to be their Head Coach? Joseph is well respected around the league and will likely become a Head Coach at some point but one has to question if he's currently ready to take on that job.
I think we will see him in for an interview, and a solid showing in that interview could get him the job. He's definitely a name to watch in the coming days and weeks.
3. Bill Musgrave, Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator
One name that was mentioned as a potential replacement for Gary Kubiak is current Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave.
One possible candidate to replace Kubiak may be coaching for other team today: OAK OC and Grand Junction native Bill Musgrave. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 1, 2017
Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver tweeted out that the Raiders Offensive Coordinator could be a potential candidate to replace Gary Kubiak as the Denver Broncos Head Coach.
Musgrave has helped turn the Oakland Raiders into the offensive juggernaut they are today. He also helped develop quarterback Derek Carr into the quarterback he is today. So his recent track record should put him in the Head Coach conversation this offseason.
Musgrave is a very creative offensive mind so he could really help turn this offense around. He could also help develop young quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch and get the ground game going for the Broncos as well.
I don't think Musgrave is the strongest candidate to be the Broncos next Head Coach, but wouldn't be shocked if he was in the consideration.
4. Scott Linehan, Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
Linehan has yet to be connected to the Denver Broncos, but what he has done on the offensive side of the ball this year with the Dallas Cowboys could get him some looks this offseason.
Scott Linehan could be sought after based on his work with Dak Prescott https://t.co/hyRvRb4C3x #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/WQxkesVEdS
— ESPNDallas (@ESPNDallas) December 30, 2016
Linehan's work with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has been impressive this season. The season for the Cowboys seemed to be lost after veteran Quarterback Tony Romo suffered a back injury during the preseason, but the Cowboys and Prescott impressed and are now the number one seed in the NFC.
Elway could look at what Linehan did with Prescott as a rookie and see if he can repeat that success with the Broncos young quarterbacks Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian.
Add in the success the Cowboys have had on their offensive line and with their run game, and Linehan becomes an attractive option for the Broncos. Especially if he can bring in whoever coaches up that Dallas Cowboys offensive line.
Like Musgrave, I'm not sure that Linehan will be a top the Broncos wishlist at Head Coach, but both are very deserving after their successful 2016 seasons.
5. Teryl Austin, Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
One name who was connected to the Denver Broncos after they fired John Fox was Detriot Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin.
Teryl Austin withdraws from #Broncos coaching search http://t.co/nKl6Dv4KqT
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) January 16, 2015
The Broncos wanted to interview Austin prior to hiring Gary Kubiak, but Austin withdrew his name after it became clear that the job was Kubiak's. So could the Broncos look to interview Austin again this time around? I think so.
After what Austin has done with the Detriot Lion's defense, he figures to get multiple job interviews this winter and likely will end up with a job someplace.
He's an interesting option for the Broncos because of the defense the team currently has. A defensive minded coach could get the best out of this unit while he hires a strong offensive minded coach to handle the offense.
I do not think this is the route the Broncos will go, but wouldn't be shocked if Austin is once again among the short list of coaches the Broncos bring in for interviews.
Other candidates:
USA Today's Tom Pelissero made a list of NFL assistants who will be considered/hired for a Head Coaching job this winter.
Here's a list of NFL assistants who could get interest as head coaching candidates. If you're an owner/GM ... who's on your short list? pic.twitter.com/P6TzaYSeFz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 1, 2017
A few of the names I listed above are on this list, but there are some other candidates included as well. So I ask you Mile High Report, who do you think should be the next Head Coach of the Denver Broncos?