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Published on 01/10/2009 at Sat Jan 10 12:49.
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Broncos Down to Five Coaches

Posted Sat Jan 10th by

Leslie Frazier, Jason Garrett, Josh McDaniels, Raheem Morris and Steve Spagnuolo remain on the list of possible head coaches in Denver. Kind of — according to the Denver Post’s Mike Klis. What has actually been reported is that Rick Dennison and Todd Bowles were long shots, not that they were out of the running completely.

It was reported that the Broncos were down to five coaching candidates –and later omitted–  originally by the Denver Post. Early on Saturday, ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reported that a decision could be made this weekend and what he was hearing is that Frazier and McDaniels were the leading candidates for the job.

Which basically means the new head coach of the Denver Broncos will probably be Spagnuolo, Garrett or Morris. Given the amount of disinformation and speculation.

Not so fast though, Adam Schefter of the Denver Post NFL Network just reported that the Broncos met with McDaniels for five-hours on Thursday night in Massachusetts. He said that there will be a decision by early next week. Which would almost rule out Spagnuolo for the most part, given that the Broncos wouldn’t be able to speak to him again unless the New York Giants lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Update (thanks to East):

Stick here and let’s see this thing through. What do you think Nation? Josh McDaniels? Hmm…

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  • T-Money

    I think we should wait a while. I doubt the Eagles will beat the Giants and I think it would be an dumb move to brush off Spagnuolo. I don’t want this to be a rushed decision.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    T-Money

    I like your idea, but I don’t know about waiting too long. Are we really okay going until April without a coach and possibly without a GM? In Klis’ newest article he mused about buyers remorse the minute we hire anyone. There’s so many damned if you do’s and don’ts in that coaching list.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    Mort actually reported this morning that they narrowed it down to 2 coaches.

  • T

    Noooooooo….. Just take your time….. I for some reason don’t feel good about McDaniels…

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    T –

    I agree it’s a strange feeling no matter who but Denver has been very through and I its about time now that they start preparing for 2009.

  • krippler

    Anyone but Garrent! I think he wants to coach the Dolphins more than the Broncos!
    We need a D couch who is willing to keep the same offense!

  • Dakota fan

    If an offensive minded guy like McDaniels is hired, has there been any talk by anyone, national or Denver area, to bringing in a defensive coordinator? I know that once a HC is hired, then a GM is next on the priority list according to Bowlen, but considering the D needs a major renovation, I don’t like the idea of a coordinator-by-committee defensive coaching staff.

    East, Ian, Kyle or anyone else- any suggestions?

  • Andy

    I dont know either… I think we need to wait to see what happens with Spags. Offense is great, but defense wins you championships.

  • T

    Right on Andy….

  • http://Broncotalk Ben

    I don;t really have a good feeling about McDaniels either, but im sure bronco fans were he same way with shannahan and that worked ou great. I really like Raheem Morris and Spanolo

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    It’s reported that it’s either McDaniels or Frasier.

    I wouldn’t mind either, I would definitely want McDaniels if he bring Romeo Crennel as a D-Cord.

    Denver needs to pick the best coach not the best defensive coach.

  • Steven

    Im guessing its down to morris and mcdaniels. With mcdaniels we will probably get a dc from the patriots staff. Im not sold on capers but we will see. With morris jeremy bates will probably become oc.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    Steven,

    It’s been reported that it’s down to McDaniels or Fraiser. Who knows with Denver though, Pat Bowlen is a sneaky sneaky man.

    http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2409

  • T

    I hope so…. I’ll be rooting for the Eagles this weekend… Scuba Steve deserves a REAL interview.

  • Bucky

    East i Totally agree with you, its not about getting the best D coach, its about getting the beast Coach, period. we cannot be in those meetings so we have no idea who has given the best showing out of these guys, I would be happy with most of these guys, the only thing i am worried about is McDaniel’s bringing Capers, if he brings Crennel then i think we would be ok, but Capers just doesn’t sit easy with me.

  • http://broncoslinks.blogspot.com/ broncos man

    Like your site, want to blog roll?

    http://broncoslinks.blogspot.com/

    (My site is still under construction, so it’ll be awhile till I figure some stuff out)

  • Anthony33

    If it is truly down to two candidates (Frazier and McDaniels), then I would hope they will go with Frazier. Yes he brings a defensive mind set, but more importantly, he brings proven skills (albeit from small college) to the HC position. The work he did at Trinity College is impressive. Building an entire program from scratch to winning championships is remarkable. Keep in mind, the Bronx are hiring a head coach, not an offensive or defensive coordinator. The skill set for a head coach is different and I think with Fraizer you something else other than the last two years as a coordinator to consider.

    No knock on McDaniels as I am sure he is good as well.

    Going to be an intersting week. Let’s hope they make the right call on this one.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    Dakota-

    As part of the interview prospects are asked who they would like as their coordinators. I’m purely speculating here, but Denver is asking that several of the offensive assistants stay on board — which may be causing a holdup with McDaniels. Who most likely has his own guys that he’d want to bring in.

    I haven’t heard anything from anybody connected with the Denver Broncos, but I thought McDaniels was trying to bring Dom Capers with him as the DC. Am I wrong? Actually, Bucky just covered that =P

    I wanted to write an article about it, but why wasn’t Marty Schotenheimer brought up as the coach ever? Can you imagine ever losing to San Diego again? I know that he can’t get to the Super Bowl, but usually that was Denver’s fault…

  • Steve W

    Just because we get an offensive coach doesn’t mean we wont have a defense anymore than if we get a defensive minded coach. We need a good HC, that’s what there trying to get to the bottom of with these interviews. We need a darn good DC no matter who we get as a HC and a good HC is going to get that for us.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    Steve W –

    Thank you. That is exactly what needs to happen.

    The main questions are who will the new HC bring as D-Cord?

    Will McDaniels bring Crennel or Capers?
    And who will Fraiser bring?

  • Andy

    Scuba Steve… LOLLOLOLOL — that totally beats Spags for the nickname!

  • Andy

    Good job with the nickname T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    There’s also a need to mention the Patriot curse- no Belichick assistant has ever survived on his own… There aren’t any right or wrong answers really, there’s a lot of talent in that pool. However, if I’m Bowlen, I look back at the history of his team:

    Red Miller – offensive
    Dan Reeves – offensive
    Wade Phillips – defensive *
    Mike Shanahan – offensive *

    * – hired by Pat Bowlen

    There’s six denver super bowl appearances on that list and none by a “defensive” coach, granted Phillips was only a coach for one season. Red Miller’s defensive coordinator Joe Collier was the one who put together that 3-4 Orange Crush. Miller was is on OC.

    Here’s an interesting tidbit that no one has really brought up (or that I’ve seen anyone bring up)… Red Miller hired Bill Belichick in 1978 to help out with special teams, now a Belichick disciple is up for the head coaching job in Denver 31-years later.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    That Miller sentence should read “Miller was his own OC.”

  • Dakota fan

    Thanks for the fill-in, Ian.

    I have to credit Mr. Bowlen and his inner circle for keeping this so quiet, which is how it should be (even if it is driving me crazy). Mort, Schefter and the like are really speculating up a storm, but I still think Bowlen’s final pick is going to surprise us all.

    I remember when Shanahan was rumored to be interviewing for the Florida job several years ago- the Denver media watched his every move and followed him everywhere, sure he was going to bolt for Gainsville. I would imagine they’re looking for ANY sign of who the new HC will be. Sorry I live so far away and can’t watch it.

  • Andy

    Ian, this is the best point anyone has made on here. Just because you work for someone great doesn’t make you great. I just hope we make this right decision and it works out, because I need to justify the $250 NFL ticket next year!

  • Roy

    I would not mind McDaniels as HC, but because he is the same age as some of the players, does anyone think they may have a hard time wiht that? I would prefer Frazier or Scuba Steve (great nickname!). Both have the utmost respect from their players, and both know how to gameplan for an opponent. I think they have an edge because Bowlen is looking to change directions, and both of them are far different from the regime we have had.

    Another plus about Scuba Steve is that I think I read somewhere that he and Pioli are close and would love the chance to work togather. We would have an inside shot at a hell of a GM, and possibly steal him from KC!!

  • Thomas

    Look at what Mike Tomlin is doing in Pittsburgh. He’s a pretty young guy and he seems to be a pretty good fit there. I like McDaniels and I have a gut feeling that he could do some amazing things here with Cutler and our offense.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    The thing about Tomlin is that he inherited a pretty damned good team. I’m growing weary of hearing Tomlin’s name brought up. No offense to you Thomas, of course, but whoever inherits Shanahan’s team will get the same thing from me. You inherit: Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Eddie Royal, Peyton Hillis, Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, Tony Scheffler and D.J. Williams (not to mention several rookies from this year’s class who may or may not turn out to be super stars). There’s three players on that list that got All Pro votes THIS year! Cleveland, Detroit and New York (Jets) didn’t have that many players getting All Pro votes.

    So the boots to feel are very large, but the pieces all fit, they’re all there. To me that means we get a defensive coach, that also means to me that we could be fine this year, even going into a draft where the coaching team is already months behind…

    It’s just not looking good for Spanuolo, we wouldn’t be able to name him the head coach until the Giants lost in the playoffs — and EVERYTHING points to Denver having a coach by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. So that leaves Frazier and Morris, I originally thought Morris, but everything that I’m hearing is Frazier — talk about a dark horse candidate.

    When I broke the Frazier story last weekend, I’m thinking this guy is a knight in shining armor, he’s an Obama for football… The guy will literally claw and scrap until he’s planted that flag in the dirt as far as he could possibly get.

    So, my support for head coach has swung from Raheem Morris to Leslie Frazier.

  • Andy

    Ian — I certainly respect your opinion. Can you give us some detail about why/what you think Frazier will be the best man for the job?

  • broncoNM

    I am still pulling for spags and hope that the eagles pull it off so atleast the broncos have the option to talk to him again. But i am slowly coming to terms with mcdaniels. He has become my second choice and it is impossible not to get excited about mcdaniels at the helm of this young offense. The sky is the limit with cutler if mcdaniels is calling the shots. Jeremy bates would become a question mark? Would he stay? Who would be our DC? How would this change our GM options? Could we still snag pioli before KC gets him. I am not down on frazier. I also think that frazier is a great option and would not be disappointed with him being hired.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    Andy-

    Thanks, it’s been covered here by a couple of people writing in the comments throughout various posts (so I’d love to give them credit as well)… and I kind of got around to it in my mini-bio during my original Leslie Frazier story.

    I’m sure you caught Baltimore Raven’s head coach John Harbaugh’s advice to the Broncos last night:

    http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11425713

    Basically, he’s a former player on one the greatest defenses ever put together in football (Chicago 1985). He retired and built a program in Trinity College from non-existent to winning championships in the NIIC. He was hired on with Andy Reid at the Eagles, left for the Bengals and Bob Sanders owes a bit of credit towards Frazier as well (Frazier was the db coach/asst. head coach in Indy, through 2007). In 2007 he took over as the DC in Minnesota….

    There’s just a trail of success behind him as he travels through the NFL…

  • jchase8410

    I would be stoked with either of these guys. Frazier and Scuba Steve both run the 4-3 which would suit the talent (I use the term loosely) already in place in Denver. That means they just need to fill in some spots through he draft and FA rather than a complete rebuild which would take at LEAST 2-3 years.
    If Denver brings in Josh Mickey-D, I think it would be great depending on who he brings in as his DC.

  • Andy

    Ian,

    Thanks for the link and synopsis. Hopefully, if all goes well, we can hire the right guy and get back on track.

  • Bucky

    Just a note for everyone hating on Raheem Morris, check out Harbauh over in Baltimore, he was never a coordinator before becoming HC, and it seems to be working out pretty well for him, and you say what you want about him not having to rebuild as much as Denver will need to, but in reality he had to do basically the exact same rebuild, just in reverse, he needed to take a non-existant Offense and make them legit, and he was able to do it in just one year. I’m tellin you guys, Coordinator experience may be good, but it is no guarantee. As of right now, I am going to be pretty happy with Denver bringing in any of these guys.

  • T-Money

    So now that the Giants lost. Who should be the winner?????

  • broncoNM

    I think they need to talk to spags one more time and make their decision mid week.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    The only reason I hate on Morris is because of his defensive scheme. Denver doesn’t have the players to run Cover-2.

    Lets hope Bowlen takes a hard look in to Scuba Steve not that he’s available.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if we know the head coach in the next few days.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    Frazier is a cover-2 boy too. To me, realistically we’re one strong safety away from being able to operate cover-2 properly. However, offenses should be able to dismantle the Cover-2, given the blue print that certain teams offenses are providing.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    By strong safety, I meant skill wise, not strong safety as in the position. Sorry, I’m an idiot and haven’t had my Bowlen juice yet today.

  • Steven

    Much closer to a cover 2 then a 3-4.

  • T-Money

    I hate cover 2. It doesn’t work it High School, College, or the NFL.

  • Dakota fan

    Wow- with the G men getting KO’d today,think we’ll have a head coach by tomorrow, Tuesday at the latest?

    After the Denver Post article this morning, with praises to Frazier by John Harbaugh, I can honestly say I think the choice is going to be…

    aw hell- I don’t know. But this has sure been fun, even if it doesn’t last much longer.

    Rivers is looking a little shaky in the snow at Pittsburgh. What a shame. heh heh heh

  • Patrick

    Allow me to be the first to welcome the San Diego Chargers to the 2009 offseason! The San Diego Chargers will never, EVER win the Super Bowl!

  • Bryan

    McDaniels or Garrett doesn’t feel like a good move.. i agree we should look at a DC instead of an offense minded HC..I like Stevie S from the G-Men now that Philly beat them…

  • Dakota fan

    Hey gang- 7:36 PM Dakota time and it just flashed across the screen that JOSH MCDANIELS IS THE GUY GETTING THE OFFER.

    This is according to Mortensen. Anyone else seeing this, or have my eyes deceived me?

  • broncoNM

    Yup. ESPN.com is reporting that Mcdaniels will get the job. Here we go. Hope it works out for us.

  • JP

    wow…i for one am pissed off if this is true…I may have to wait for Shanahan to come back to coachng so i can have a team to follow, because i cant stomach this. What a terrible decision.

  • Patrick

    McDanielsMania running wild brothers!

  • JP

    I hate the Patriots and now my beloved Broncos are to become “New England West” except wth an unproven KID as the coach. This is who Mike Shanahan gets replaced by? I will be peeng blood tomorrow morning because i have been repeatedly punching myself in the nuts hoping to wake up from this bad dream…well…Id like to say to Jay Cutler and the boys on offense that I wish thm a speedy learning process of a new and unneeded offensve system. And to Pat Bowlen, nice job….we have now downgraded the offense and still have the same problems on the other side of the ball. I hope to christ Frazier or Spagnolo or Schwartz or smeone is to soon follow as DC. I seen some bone-headed sh1t in the last few years in this organization, but this takes the cake.

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