NFL coaching carousel: Broncos will have several decisions to make in 2015

[Emily Diana]

-NFL coaching carousel: Broncos will have several decisions to make in 2015-

"Black Monday — the day after the final week of the regular season when struggling head coaches are often fired — is quickly approaching. Once the dust settles, the 2015 coaching carousel will be spinning in full force.

This year, Denver will be in the midst of nearly all coaching candidate conversations.

Here's a breakdown of some of the names to watch this offseason and beyond:

Denver's staff:

John Fox: It would be ludicrous to suggest Denver move on from John Fox, right? He's the first AFC West head coach since John Madden to win four consecutive division titles and Denver has gone 45-18 since he arrived. Yet, the Broncos have been unable to win a Super Bowl under Fox, who certainly has his flaws. Fox is likely to stick around for at least 2015. If he doesn't deliver a championship soon, he will deservedly be on the hot seat." ...

http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/12/27/7454705/nfl-coaching-carousel-broncos-will-have-several-decisions-to-make-in

[SinePari]

I think it's unlikely Fox gets the boot - he's been relatively successful in Denver (comparatively to most other teams in the NFL) and by all accounts he gets along fine with the players and front office (even great with the players, if you believe some of the publicity).

Granted, one can argue that while he's been statistically successful (e.g., wins/losses) he hasn't won when it count. And one can also argue that his success is largely predicated on having one of the greatest QBs of all time leading his offense. But, he did take a team that had Tim Tebow at QB and make it a playoff team - hell, I don't know how many coaches could have converted eight wins with Tebow (though, some of it was luck and maybe a lot of it was McCoy...who knows?) The point is, Fox isn't going anywhere.

If Gase and/or Del Rio leave (depending on which one, of course), I would consider guys in the NFL like Rex Ryan or Marc Trestman...or college coaches like Dave Cutcliffe or Jim Mora. Of course, would love an Urban Meyer or Nick Saban, but I don't think either of those guys are leaving anytime soon.

In the off chance Fox does get the boot (again, I doubt it), it would have to be for some significant talent...so a Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden. However, I just don't see either of those guys leaving their cushy jobs to go back to coaching.

[broncolee]

When a site other than a Broncos fan site talks silliness about firing Fox, maybe I'll take it a little more seriously.

McCoy, the Shanahans, and he who should not be named, are irrelevant to the Broncos. They must have just needed to fill space.

Gase and Del Rio might get consideration, I think at least Del Rio will stay with the Broncos.

[Dennis.1960]

One of the things that we don't really know which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate Fox is how much authority he gives to his assistants during the game. Is the conservative play calling which we blame on Fox really his call or does he let Gase & Peyton call the game? Is the lack of blitzing really on Fox or does he go hands off and let Del Rio call his own game? Some head coaches are control maniacs like Harbaugh and some trust their assistants...anyone really know how Fox handles this on game day?

[broncolee]

What we do know is the Broncos just won their 4th straight division title and have a Super Bowl appearance. Talk of firing him is simply ridiculous.

[-Rod-]

One of the things that we don't really know which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate Fox is how much authority he gives to his assistants during the game.

The head coach is the one who must oversee all those things. Fox certainly is not getting paid to eat popcorn and let his coordinators loose doing whatever they want. He is responsible for the whole execution and must be evaluated accordingly.

I'm not saying Fox will be fired. This is silly talk.

[Hadez]

Someone made this point about Rex Ryan and I agree with it on Fox as well...if you fire someone make sure his replacement is better.

See what firing Shanahan did to us short term. I realize Shanahan had to go but better make sure someone better is ready in the wings.

Gase now...I am more then ready to show him the door for just about anyone with 15+ years experience.

[Bterres105]

Let's hope the Falcons or 49ers hire Adam Gase! I really hope they bring in someone else and not promote in house because I feel the play calling will be just as bad. Maybe bring Mike Smith as OC? I just really miss having a real OC.

[ERoyal248]

Let's hope the Falcons or 49ers hire Adam Gase! I really hope they bring in someone else and not promote in house because I feel the play calling will be just as bad. Maybe bring Mike Smith as OC? I just really miss having a real OC.

Could be wrong but i think Smith is a defensive coach.

[DevilSpawn]

Hearing the Raiders may interview Jack del Rio. I don't think he has a chance... his parents are ONLY season ticket holders for like the last 30 friggin years. :doh:

[Gsam]

I would trade in John Fox right now for:

Rex Ryan
Todd Bowles
Dan Quinn

[EddieMac]

Bring in Rex as the DC/assistant head coach....he slips into the HC job after Fox is done.