The Denver Broncos and John Fox announced Monday that they are “mutually parting ways,” which came as a shock to most.
Fox won his division all four years as head coach and had pretty strong success in Denver, though the team went 1-and-done in the playoffs two of the four seasons.
Check out the reaction from an NFL GM regarding the news:
Just got a text from a GM with a HC vacancy. When I sent a message about the John Fox news in Denver he text back, "for real?"
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 12, 2015
In addition to Fox, the Broncos let go of their entire coaching staff. That means offensive coordinator Adam Gase and running backs coach Eric Studesville will not be candidates for the job, despite initial speculation.
If GM John Elway decides to bring in some familiar names, Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan could be candidates for the job.
GARY KUBIAK, BALTIMORE RAVENS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Was head coach of the Houston Texans for eight seasons and went 61-64. Prior to that was a Broncos offensive coach/coordinator from 1995-2005. He was John Elway’s backup quarterback in Denver as a player and has strong ties to Elway. Issued a statement Sunday saying he is not interested in head coaching jobs.
MIKE SHANAHAN, UNEMPLOYED, EX-BRONCOS COACH
Shanny took the year off from coaching but has been a hot candidate lately, interviewing with multiple teams. Coached the Broncos from 1995-2008 before they parted ways with him to bring in McDaniels. Was instrumental in taking Elway’s game to the next level and helping the Broncos win two Super Bowls. Still lives in Denver and supposedly still has good relationship with Elway.
LB’s Take: Given the way Elway has operated outside of the box throughout his time in Denver (e.g. making big moves to acquire Peyton Manning, Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware), I would not be surprised if he went off the board and brought in someone else nobody is thinking of. This guy aims high and delivers home runs. He’s going to do the same here, that’s my guess.
