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Published on 12/22/2010 at Wed Dec 22 08:49.
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Hello? Is this thing on?

Posted Wed Dec 22nd by

Pick Six Lost in the NFL Football

We feel the same way, Josh. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

Hang on for a sec… I’m dusting off my keyboard. There. much better.

As some of you have notice I’ve been MIA since the preseason. I know I will likely be accused of being a very poor fan by admitting this, but I just couldn’t watch my beloved team being managed the way it was the last two seasons. I’m not talking about just lost players and bad coaching. Josh and Xanders cleaned house both on the field and off. And while it was painful for me to watch Josh dismantle our famous zone blocking scheme (for example), it was equally painful for me to watch position coaches and front office staff that I have respected for years leave Dove Valley. The new administration just hasn’t been the same, and although I put up with last year, I just didn’t have the heart to do again this year.

My friends and fellow bloggers have asked me if the recent firing of McDaniels will lure me back from my self-imposed blogging exile, and while I want more than anything to get that wonderful Orange & Blue passion back I think it will seriously depend on what Mr. Bowlen decides to do when replacing Josh.

There has been a lot of talk about who would do well (and who would do poorly) as the new Head Coach of the Broncos. But there is ONE name that would have me back here blogging my little fingers off, and that is (unsurprisingly) Gary Kubiak.

NFL/

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak stands on the sidelines in the second half of their game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, California, October 3, 2010. (Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Kim White)

Yes, yes, I know he’s blown it off already. But he’s still coaching a team in an active season – I would expect nothing less from him in that situation. And while I’m certainly not the first person to say he would be a good choice for the Broncos, there might be reason for Kubiak fans to have a bit more hope this week.

I’m talking about Bill Cowher’s comments of course. In Chris Mortensen’s article on ESPN.com, he reports that “A source close to Cowher is adamant that the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and New York Giants are atop his wish list if any of those teams should make a coaching change after the 2010 season.”

The reason this is a good sign for Kubiak Fan Club Members, is that a coach with Cowher’s experience HAS to be a tempting thing for Bud Adams Bob McNair. I know he loves Gary, but a Super Bowl winning coach just made it clear that their team was topping his list of favorite places to go. Do you think that might be enough to encourage Bob to make a change? I know it had to piss Gary off (although he was very profession when asked about it recently).

If so, that would put Kubiak on the market for Pat (and his newest front office guy, John Elway) to make a very good offer to their former friend and Assistant Head Coach. Heck, it might be the number one reason Pat has asked Elway to come back.

And if we’re going to be inventing crazy conspiracy theories, why not suggest that Studsville was told to start Tebow in an effort to show him off this week to Kubiak? Kubiak is going to get a front row seat this weekend and my only hope is that Tebow not only puts on a show, but that Denver finds a way to pull of a win. It’s not likely, but since the Texans got handled in Tennessee last week, why not do a bit of Christmas wishing.

As a disclaimer, I don’t think Kubiak is the ONLY person that could repair this team and re-construct a play-off caliber ball club in Denver; however, I do believe he’s the BEST person to restore the pride and confidence of our team by combining a fresh plan for our future with a deep love and respect for the team’s history (something sorely lacking the last two years).

So, now you all know where I’ve been and what I have asked Santa for this Christmas.

Have a very, very Merry Christmas and GO BRONCOS!!!

Jonathan Douglas
DenverObsession

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  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    I'm with you Jon, Kubiak is on my short list of acceptable replacements. People say he hasn't done anything in Houston, but he is a few short steps away from having that team win it all. It would be stupid for the Texans to let him go now. It's not easy trying to win the division when you have to play the Colts twice a year and jump ahead of Peyton in the standings.

    If you don't think that says anything, look at the AFC East, the Patriots have run the table back to 2003 other than the year Brady went down.

  • flbronc

    kubiak is as good as gone in houston, cowher or not. my only concern with bringing him in is the fact he suffers from the same defensive affliction as mcd and shanny.

    that said, would love to see him as our oc again paired up with a defensive minded coach. if he's fired the only hc job he would get right away (although he would likely get some interviews) would be ours- too many 'bigger names' out there for and only a couple of spots.

  • Rob_Bronco

    While I've felt your pain these past few seasons, I have reason to believe that the Broncos will get back on track. The Broncos have been one of the NFL's most stable franchises over the years. They've had 9 losing seasons in 40 years (including this season). In contrast, the Chargers have had 18 losing seasons in that span. During that time, the Broncos have finished last in the division only 3 times.

    It's been a roller coaster decade for the team as they've searched for a franchise QB to replace Elway. Look around the league – replacing Hall of Fame players is incredibly difficult to do. But despite the revolving door of players, the Broncos have still managed to win games. In the past 10 years they've been to the playoffs 4 times. While that's no where near the Colts or Patriots, the Broncos have managed to accomplish that with slightly above average quarterbacks.

    Bowlen has made some mistakes but he's a proud owner and he wants to win. He pulled the trigger on the Cutler trade because he got tired of hearing the bitching. He realized that he errored when hiring McDaniels and he cut him as soon as he could, even though he could have kept him on the rest of the season. He's talked with Elway and he's going to use Elway's experience and expertise to help the Broncos regain their swagger.

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    Like Josh McDaniels, I think Kubiak would make a really (Really), good OC, but maybe not a HC

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    I think he's a solid Head Coach who has helped to build a very good team that, unfortunately, plays in a difficult division. I think the issue you're addressing is the same issue I had with Shanahan. Teams tend to work best when there is a 'group' of talented people working together – not one guy doing it all.

    If Gary were to have a strong GM that would hire good front office people as well as a talented DC, I think Kubiak could be a stellar Head Coach for the Broncos.

  • Dbaumga797

    Can we PLEASE hire a GM before we start even THINKING about a HC? That's been our primary issue ever since Shanny took the position himself.

  • http://twitter.com/dxmanning Joshua Manning

    Co-sign!!!

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    A strong GM … I've long forgotten what that is?

  • TheTroglodyte

    Bud Adams is the owner of the Titans, not the Texans. Kubiak has also had a long time to turn the Texans around and is nothing more than a .500 coach who can't put together a defense.

    How about we don't chose the next coach based on how much FUN it would be to have someone from Elway's years back on the team. I don't give a damn about who are what the Bronco's were a decade ago. I want a proven coach not some “Please the Fans 2.0” model that couldn't accomplish anything except go 37 – 45 with 3 last place finishes in his conference in 5 years.

  • TheTroglodyte

    Agreed

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    lol

  • Geoffhull03

    I have to agree with Jon. He'd make a great OC. He has struggled with defense in Houston and denver's defense is horrible. I say Nolan for HC and kubiak for OC

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    I kinda agree. If Kubiak had no history with the Broncos none of use would even consider him a good candidate. If he was an OC from any other team besides the Broncos and wasn't Elways' backup for a few years before becoming the Texans HC, and we only knew about him from his stint with the Texans, I think we'd all consider the notion of him becoming our next HC absurd.

    And if thats the case, I don't want him. Don't try to go back to the past, bring in a new smashmouth-style that will turn the Broncos around … Go Broncos!

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    I kinda agree. If Kubiak had no history with the Broncos none of use would even consider him a good candidate. If he was an OC from any other team besides the Broncos and wasn't Elways' backup for a few years before becoming the Texans HC, and we only knew about him from his stint with the Texans, I think we'd all consider the notion of him becoming our next HC absurd.

    And if thats the case, I don't want him. Don't try to go back to the past, bring in a new smashmouth-style that will turn the Broncos around … Go Broncos!

  • flbronc

    While i agree with the fact that we need to be thinking GM as well, i do have a question…. since it has been so long since we have had a gm that isnt the coach, i ask this out of ignorance.

    who hires the coach, the gm or the owner? how is this tackled on other teams? the only situation i can think of is miami where they brought in parcells (not as gm though) and then he hired a coach of his liking.

    so would we need a gm before a coach, or vise versa?

  • flbronc

    While i agree with the fact that we need to be thinking GM as well, i do have a question…. since it has been so long since we have had a gm that isnt the coach, i ask this out of ignorance.

    who hires the coach, the gm or the owner? how is this tackled on other teams? the only situation i can think of is miami where they brought in parcells (not as gm though) and then he hired a coach of his liking.

    so would we need a gm before a coach, or vise versa?

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    Good catch on the owner mistake. I've corrected the article… I guess I still have some rust to knock off. :)

  • areferee

    You saved me again, Monkey-Man. Bob McNair is the owner of the Texans but he is a very good friend of “Kubes”, who grew up in Houston. Gary Kubiak is a good man and I believe a much better head coach than the likes of our previous attempt. However, we need the strongest available mind and proven winner, with a bent toward how to frame a powerful defense, and the knowledge to bring in a quality offensive coordinator and let him function at full capacity.

    As much as I admire the career of Gary Kubiak and appreciated his unselfish devotion to the Broncos while he was here, I don't believe he is the correct choice for head coach, although he would make a great coordinator. Whether he would make that step down, if fired from Houston, is debatable.

    First things first: Resolve the Elway position, then the GM and THEN the Head Coach. We need strength and an orderly transition as we ready for the draft and whatever season there may be. But the framework of the organization is first.

  • BroncoMan24

    I agree with some of the others about bringing Gary in as an OC, but not as an HC. Not because he wouldn't be a good HC, but because I believe we need a really solid defensive minded coach. IMO I think it will be a lot harder to hire a DC from another team unless we hire him as the HC. Granted I do not watch a lot of college football (as I have mentioned in previous posts) so there may be a DC in the college ranks that we could pick up, but not too sure who that would be. I feel that there are so many offensive minded coaches out there that it would be a lot easier to hire a DC as head coach and get a solid OC to come in. I am looking forward to seeing who we pick up. Go Broncos!!

  • loyal

    Jonathan – whats up bro? Its called thick and thin, man. Not just when they are winning. I couldnt care less what you think about the Broncos.

  • crazykid

    Too bad CU couldnt have hired Embree and Bienemy last year… then we could see how the whole “old time passion/players/tradition” thing would work out in coaching.

  • TD30isMVP

    Brian Billick- Offensive minded head coach (record setting) that had a team with an incredible Defense. Nope, he did not put the D together but he did coach it and won a Superbowl with it (and Trent Dilfer) so he knows how a good defense is put together. His players loved him and he took care of his players.

  • flbronc

    good point. are you suggesting that is who you would like for the denver job, or just playing devils advocate?

    i have to wonder why he has been out of coaching for this long though, and if he has desire to come back… seems like he should have had an opportunity by now.

  • TD30isMVP

    Out of the coaches sitting out there he seems to fit the wish list of both Bowlen and the fans. I like Gruden but feel Billick would be the smart choice both politically and football wise. As for him not having a gig, maybe he decided it is better being a talking head. Kubiak has not impressed me, he has fantastic amounts of talent on that team and gets nowhere. I understand they play the Colts twice but that is only two games what about the other 14?

  • TheTroglodyte

    Asking somebody “whats up bro” right before dissing them is SO 80's!

  • anthony33

    If Kubiak is fired he will certainly be considered. Loved the guy for all the years he was with us the back-up to Elway and then on the coaching staff. Not so sure about Kubes the HC, but we could do far worse.

    From my POV I'd like to see the following considered (in no particual order):
    Cowher – vitually no chance in hell

    Gruden- Not far behind

    Kubiak- Decent choice, but more of the same

    R Rivera- Has done a great job with the Bears and Chargers as the DC. Especially well with the Chargers considering the talent level.

    C Weis- A much wiser, more mature and much better people person than McD

    R Marenelli- Didn't have a chance in Detroit with that knucklehead as a GM. Love what he has done as a DC and has had that taste as a head coach.

    J Harbaugh- The ONLY college coach I would even consider and he might be my first choice.

  • loyal

    “dissing” is so 90's. . .I like the direction of this back-and-forth.

  • TheTroglodyte

    lol maybe but according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use was in 1980.

    http://www.merriam-webster.com…

  • NMBronc

    Def minded coaches: Fewell, Billick, Frazier (MN), or Rivera (SD)
    Off minded coaches: Mularkey (Atl), Kubiak, Shannahan (Kyle), or Harbaugh

    I could list others, but any these would be solid hires. Part of the hiring process should be first hiring a real GM and not a 'Contract' guy.

  • NMBronc

    Def minded coaches: Fewell, Billick, Frazier (MN), or Rivera (SD)
    Off minded coaches: Mularkey (Atl), Kubiak, Shannahan (Kyle), or Harbaugh

    I could list others, but any these would be solid hires. Part of the hiring process should be first hiring a real GM and not a 'Contract' guy.

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/6DTWJQ4Z33YYOMWHX432SAUI5M kent s

    Wrong answer people. Get someone fresh with alot of upside and that is Jim Harbaugh. He is an up and comer and whoever gets him in the NFL will succeed.I love Kubiak but he is old news that already couldn't get a talented team over the hump. We don't need more of that and I don't think he would be interested in rebuilding. Harbaugh is the man!

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    I just don't understand the want for Kubiak other than pure reminiscence. He would take the players and coaches from Denver who had either been cast-off or gotten too expensive.

    He was also the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator through 2005. Meaning he (along with Shanahan) only won ONE playoff game without Elway. Sure the running game was great, but when wasn't it post- Kubiak?

    In Houston what has he done? Why WOULD we want him, guys like Jon Gruden I am not completely sold on, but at least he has a pedigree.

    /end rant.

  • flbronc

    kubiak has shown he can get the job done on offense. they can score points. he cant get the job done on defense though. that's why i said earlier he'd be my choice as an oc paired with a defensive minded coach.

    billick is a no energy hire- meaning, it isnt going to excite players or fans. gruden would at least pump up the fan base.

  • areferee

    Far out!

  • areferee

    What about Mike Nolan, Anthony?

  • Kawike

    I'd like to see the Broncos pull Ron Rivera away from the DC job in San Diego, then, if possible, maybe Kubiak for OC. Rivera has proven in Chicago and in San Diego that he knows how to put together a good defense. We all know Kubiak is a pretty good Offensive Coordinator, and with his head coaching experience he could definitely help guide Rivera and limit the rookie head coaching mistakes.

  • robtink242

    i don't know.. Kubiak wants to run an offense close to Shanny… not taking away from that but we have Thomas, Royal, Decker, Lloyd, Gaffney, Willis, Britt Davis (plays good special teams).. We need someone who can make use of atleast 3 of these guys… I know we all want to see that strong run game but lets be economical with it.

  • flbronc

    i dont get the love everyone has for Harbaugh. his brother has done well, but that is his brother- not him. he has three years at a tiny school in a tiny conference, then four years with the big boys. in those four years he has had two losing seasons (4 wins and 5 wins) and two winning seasons. This year he is 11-1, although anyone will tell you this year isnt a good year for the pac 10 (oregon excluded). stanford benefited by being the only other decent team in the conference.

    he made a decent program better while teams in their conference were getting worse. i dont get why people who were reluctant to hand mcd the keys to a franchise after 10 years of nfl experience are now clamoring for a guy with no meaningful nfl coaching experience at all and only a couple years of bigtime college football coaching under his belt. remember, our next coach has to rebuild a crappy roster and put together something resembling a defense. i'm just not sure a guy without pro coaching experience can do it.

  • flbronc

    in order to do get targets for all of them, you would need to run a spread attack, which was mcd's goal and reason for stockpiling at the wr spot. we need to either thin out a bit there, or be comfortable with some of those guys being inactive on gameday- thomas is a good candidate for the inactive spot since he cant keep healthy.

    on the other hand kubiak has 6 guys with over 25 receptions this year- one being foster(rb) and one being daniels(te). he knows how to use a wr's in my opinion. we only have four with over 25 and one is moreno.

  • guest

    I still think if jeff fisher gets fired we need to move fast but I also agree we need a good GM first.

  • Guest

    move fast and sign him

  • flbronc

    fisher would be a very good hire

  • TheTroglodyte

    Too many people still trying to live in the past. I keep hearing/seeing Kyle Shanahan's name thrown out too. Nobody anywhere else would ever consider that kid for a HC job at this point, it's just ridiculous.

    The fact is that Tebow is going to be our QB next year. We aren't drafting Lock and with any luck we will trade out of the 2 or 3 spot and draft 2 or 3 defensive line players in the 1st round because this is going to be the deepest D-Line draft possibly ever.

    LaMichael James will be available in the 2nd round (we really need an explosive rb with good catching ability to help Tebow) as well as a good CB so we use our two 2nd's on them.

    The rest of the draft can be safeties, LB's and an O-lineman or two.

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    Da'Quan Bowers, I completely agree with what Klis wrote (and quoted Mel Kiper on). I'd love to have him as an addition to our defensive line. We'd be a whole new defense with him, Ayers and Elvis Dumervil back.

  • TheTroglodyte

    Yeah if he decides to enter the draft we HAVE to get him. Last I heard he was leaning towards staying in college for another year though.

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson
  • anthony33

    Maybe, he too has head coaching experience and his defenses have generally been above average. Kubes would need to be the OC as Nolan proved in SF, he knows about as much on offense as Shanny did about defense…. NOTHING.

  • anthony33

    Good add-on… Fewell was probably the leader of the pack until Vick ate them alive. Still, all good choices. The one that really gets my attention is Rivera. Billick might also be a good choice. No way though on Kyle.

    Harbaugh would be the best risk-reward guy.

  • anthony33

    Good points pertaining to Harbaugh. Not sure what he did before Stanford, and yes the PAC 10 had an off year. Still, give the guy a little credit. I didn't see ASU, WSU,UW or any other of the bottom feeders step up.

  • anthony33

    Never considered Fisher. I know he was tight with Shannahan so he may have a bug up his ass about Bowlen. Got to believe Shanny would tell him to steer clear.

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