Mike Nolan resigns as Broncos’ coordinator

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

In a surprising move Monday, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has resigned after one season with the club.  The decision to part ways was mutual between Josh McDaniels and Nolan after a meeting Monday.

“I have great respect for Mike and wish him success in the future,” McDaniels said in a brief team statement.

Nolan was hired by McDaniels in 2009 and transformed the Broncos’ 2008 29th-ranked 4-3 defense into the 7th-ranked 3-4 unit of last season.

As the Broncos turn their eye to filling Nolan’s place, one name to keep an eye on is Dean Pees. McDaniels’ colleague in New England resigned from his post as defensive coordinator of the Patriots last week.

Whomever McDaniels hires will be the Broncos’ fifth defensive coordinator in five years.

It’s hard to describe this in any other way than as a big loss to the Broncos.  More as it develops…