With the head coaching search in full swing, there are several directions the Denver Broncos could go. They could hire a retread head coach who has experience in the league, or they could look to the next big thing, hoping for lightning in a bottle like Sean McVay with the Rams.
On 1st & 10 at 10 on Orange and Blue 760, Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus joined Ryan Edwards, Andrew Mason, and Hall of Fame finalist Steve Atwater to discuss the Broncos search. Denver will be interviewing a mix of retreads (Chuck Pagano, Mike Munchack), experienced coordinators (Vic Fangio), and young up and coming coaches (Zac Taylor). When asked about Taylor, Renner believes the league rewards creativity and innovation.
The next head coach will be the most important move in John Elway’s time as the Broncos GM since Peyton Manning retired. Renner talked about access to video being much different in today’s NFL. Every team has those Microsoft tablets on the sidelines, can analyze every aspect of the game in real time, and can implement changes immediately. It’s a different game than it was even 5 years ago.
It also seems like finding a coach with the right lineage is important. Where he coached. Who he worked for. These are important attributes. The Andy Reid tree has been particularly successful recently, and McVay’s being the hot new head coach makes his assistants appealing.
Whichever direction the Broncos choose to go, it will could be John Elway’s last hire as GM. If he gets it right, it will carry the team for the next 7-10 years. If he gets it wrong, he won’t be around to hire the next head coach.