Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens talks to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett in 2008. (AP Photo)

The Denver Broncos have been granted permission by the Dallas Cowboys to interview offensive coordinator Jason Garrett for the Broncos’ Head Coach opening, Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports. The interview will take place some time next week.

Garrett was a hot name in the coaching circle after 2007, when his offense led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and first seed in the NFC playoffs. After the Cowboys gave Garrett a ridiculous contract to keep him in Dallas as coordinator, Dallas struggled somewhat on offense this season, finishing out of the playoffs, and ultimately causing Garrett’s coaching stock to fall.

The Broncos will also hold interviews with Steve Spagnuolo Saturday (DC, Giants), Josh McDaniels Sunday (OC, Patroits), and Raheem Morris (DC, Buccaneers) on Wednesday. In addition to these three interviews, the team has contacted Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops about the position.  Expect an interview with Stoops after the BCS Championship game next week.

Garrett’s name has fallen off a lot of people’s radar this offseason. I’d be surprised if he wins the job. Meanwhile, Wade Phillips has to be saying “What about me?” by now. Last season, there were rumors Garrett would be promoted to Head Coach in Dallas and Wade would be out. Now there’s talk of Mike Shanahan taking Phillips’ place, should he be fired. Of course, Shanahan originally replaced Phillips as Denver Broncos Head Coach following the 1995 season.

• Jason Garrett bio [Cowboys official site]

There is no doubt that the sails have set for change in Denver. After twenty-one years with the franchise, Mike Shanahan has been relieved of his duties with the Denver Broncos. I am both saddened by this news, but also optimistic. While Mike Shanahan is undoubtedly a Hall of Fame Head Coach, and one of the best to ever have called a game — it is apparent that after several years of mediocrity that not even his coaching prowess could head Denver in the right direction.

Shanahan deserves praise for a myriad of things regarding Broncos football. From establishing them as one of the premier franchises in the league and for the Super Bowl wins back in the 90s. Not to mention his offensive genius and the mutual admiration and respect he had with and for his staff and players for two decades. You won’t find many coaches who are spoken of as highly as Mike Shanahan. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

We’re celebrating the New Year by looking back at the wild, wild year that was – 2008. Today is Part I: January through June. Part II is here. Part III on Saturday. Enjoy!

January

The 2007 season comes to an end, and the Broncos finish 7-9. Housecleaning is in order. Matt Lepsis retires. Immediately, Javon Walker says he wants out. Defensive top dog Jim Bates exits, along with Offensive top dog Mike Heimerdinger, although he left on his own terms. By the month’s end, Jay Cutler and company were already preparing for big things in 08. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the fourth person reported to be receiving significant interest from the Denver Broncos to interview for the team’s Head Coach opening, Bill Williamson of ESPN reports. The Broncos have asked New England for permission to interview McDaniels but have yet to receive a response. The Patriots are expected to grant permission soon.

Denver will interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris on Saturday and Monday respectively. The team has also contacted University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

Another solid candidate. Pat Bowlen wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to find his next Head Coach as soon as possible. Thanks to Ryan in the comments!

• Josh McDaniels bio [Patriots official site]

University of Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops

Add a third name to the Denver Broncos‘ Head Coach Hunt.

We earlier reported that the Broncos will interview Steve Spagnuolo and Raheem Morris in the next four days. Now, Jeff Legwold of the Rocky Mountain News is reporting that the Broncos are also in contact with University of Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is an Oklahoma alumnus and is thought to be very interested in Stoops for Head Coach. Stoops’ Sooners are set to face Florida in the BCS Championship Game on January 7th and, if interested, Stoops would interview after the Bowl game.

Is this the frontrunner in Bowlen’s mind? Possibly. It’s ironic – Mike Shanahan‘s critics always bring up nepotism as one of the former coach’s faults. With rumors of John Elway entering the front office gaining steam, combined with the news that Bowlen might be cleaning out his alma mater, is Bowlen guilty of the same? Nothing against Stoops at all – I’m just thinking out loud here. I want the most qualified candidate on the sidelines and in the front office, regardless of history with Bowlen or the Broncos. Period.

• Bob Stoops bio [Sooners official site]

A Mike Shanahan video tribute to the tune of the Beatles’ “Yesterday?” You got it. Thanks to the talented and always-pertinent Ryan Parker Songs.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo

The Denver Broncos have lined up their first set of interviews for the vacated Head Coach position after they let go of Mike Shanahan. New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, “the” hot ticket this coaching season, will hold an informal interview this Saturday. Newly promoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will also be interviewed on Monday.

Spagnuolo’s informal interview will reportedly consist of “dinner with the Broncos brass,” according to Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com. Spagnuolo has already set up interviews with all three other teams looking for Head Coaches – the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets.

Meanwhile, interviewing Morris fulfills the Broncos’ obligation to the Rooney Rule, which states that NFL teams must interview minority candidates.

Don’t be surprised if the Broncos settle on either candidate. Both are hot names in the coaching circle. Morris is a bit green (no college head coaching or NFL coordinator experience), but I’ve heard plenty of good things about both guys. I’m also glad the Broncos and owner Pat Bowlen jumped right into the Spags sweepstakes before he committed somewhere else. Bowlen did say he wanted to finish the search as quickly as possible, so perhaps we’ll have a new coach by this time next week.

• Steve Spagnuolo bio [Giants official site]
• Raheem Morris bio [Buccaneers official site]

Opening statement

“Being here 21 years, I have a lot of people to thank so you are going to have to bear with me and the people I do miss, please, it wasn’t intentional. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Opening statement

“As everybody in the room is aware, I decided to make an historic change within this organization. I have terminated Mike Shanahan as head coach, and I wish him very well as he goes forward. Click here to read the rest of this entry »