Gary Kubiak has announced that he is stepping down as Denver Broncos head coach because of health concerns. Just a year removed from winning a Super Bowl, the Broncos will now look for a new head coach.
It's perhaps the most attractive job in the NFL that's open (at the moment). Denver's defense is loaded, John Elway has proven himself as a general manager and there's the QB of the future in Paxton Lynch. But which coach will Denver hire?
We're trying to focus on the realistic candidates, which is why the usual, but not happening names (Jim Harbaugh, Jon Gruden and David Shaw) aren't listed. Josh McDaniels would be a candidate, but it's tough to see him returning to Denver after his terrible run as head coach a few years ago. Assuming Wade Phillips returns on defense, the Broncos could search for an offensive-minded coach (like they did with Kubiak). With that in mind, here are the top 10 candidates the Broncos could hire as their new head coach.
10. Sean Payton, Saints head coach
This is a long-shot, which is why Payton is down at 10. He just signed a contract extension, but the rumors of him moving always pop up So, what if the Broncos gave up a draft pick or two to land Payton? If that happens keep an eye out for Romo heading to Denver. Payton coached him when they were both at Dallas and Payton tried to trade for Romo when he took the Saints' job. I don't think there's a major chance of this happening, but it is worth mentioning.
9. Anthony Lynn, Bills offensive coordinator/interim head coach
Lynn was promoted to offensive coordinator in Week 3 after Buffalo fired Greg Roman, and he had so much success in leading the offense that he's now serving as the interim head coach. He already has the respect of the players and that's huge. There's a good chance he stays in Buffalo as the full-time coach, but if not, Lynn is a candidate.
8. Teryl Austin, Lions defensive coordinator
Austin has had a relatively short NFL coaching career to this point, but he's been extremely successful. He gets a lot of the credit for the Lions' breakout season this year, as the defense has been sharp. Austin will be a candidate for nearly every head coach opening this offseason, so the Broncos will likely give him a call, even if they're looking at offensive coaches.
7. Doug Marrone, Jaguars offensive line coach/interim head coach
Marrone had a relatively impressive 15-17 record as head coach of the Bills for two seasons, but opted out of his contract after numerous disagreements with the front office. After opting-out, many thought Marrone wouldn't wait long for a new head job. That hasn't happened yet, although there's always a chance the Jags keep him as the full-time coach. This is one of the more unlikely ones, since Marrone's stock doesn't appear to high. Still, he's a decent fall back option if something crazy happens in Denver.
6. Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coach
Special teams coaches don't get a lot of love, but Toub is the best in the NFL right now. He's had head coaching interviews in the past and he could take the John Harbaugh path of getting a head coaching job. He's not a big name, but he's a very good coach. It's not a sexy hire, but it could pay off. Plus, adding Toub could hurt the Chiefs in the process.
5. Sean McVay, Redskins offensive coordinator
Looking for a legitimate dark horse? How about McVay, a name few casual fans outside of the DC area will know. He's been the OC for the Redskins since 2014, and done a damn fine job. Here's the rub though: he's just 30 years old, which would make him the youngest head coach in the NFL. It might be a year too early, but don't count out McVay. .
4. Harold Goodwin, Cardinals offensive coordinator
Yet another offensive mind on the list. Goodwin has had interviews in the past, although those might be at least in part because of the Rooney Rule. Still, he's a young, rising coach that could get a chance.
3. Jim Bob Cooter, Lions offensive coordinator
Cooter has done an incredible job leading Detroit's offense for the past year and a half, guiding Matthew Stafford & Co to a potential playoff berth. At just 32 years old, Cooter could be a quality boost for Lynch's development. He might not get a job this offseason, but he should get some interviews.
2. Kyle Shanahan, Falcons offensive coordinator
Shanahan has been in the mix for getting a head coaching job the past few seasons, and this should be the year he gets one. He also happens to make sense for the Broncos, given the Shanahan's family ties to the Broncos. Of course, that assumes Mike Shanahan doesn't want to take on a major front office job this offseason, something he can't really have in Denver with Elway in charge. This makes a lot of sense, but don't be surprised if Kyle Shanahan ends up in San Francisco with his dad.
1. Vance Joseph, Dolphins defensive coordinator
Joseph isn't a big name, but he's a rising star. In fact, he nearly landed the job when it went to Kubiak.
Had the #Broncos not brought in Gary Kubiak 2 years ago, they likely would’ve hired now-#Dolphins DC Vance Joseph. Keep an eye on him in DEN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2017
His results with defensive backs speak for itself (have you seen the Dolphins DBs this year?) and he's a really good motivator. He's smart enough to keep Wade Phillips as the DC (Phillips shouldn't be a head coach again by the way), and this makes sense. It might not be the sexiest hire, but don't be surprised if it happens.
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