It appears the Denver Broncos are set to search for their fourth head coach in five seasons. Vance Joseph, after just one year, is likely on the outs in Denver, according to the latest Broncos coaching rumors. Joseph and the Broncos struggled this year after a hot start, losing eight straight games. There was buzz the Broncos were going to keep Joseph, but it appears John Elway has changed his mind.
Josh McDaniels is the top candidate for almost every job this offseason, but the Broncos position is the only one that doesn't actually make sense. He can't go back to the Broncos after what happened the last time he was head coach. With that in mind, here are the top 10 options to replace Vance Joseph as Broncos head coach.
10. Joe DeCamillis, Jaguars special teams coach
This is a bit of a darkhorse name. DeCamillis knows the Broncos, having served as the special teams coach in Denver before leaving for the Jaguars job. The Jaguars have loved their fake punts this year and their special teams has been solid. Heck, it's been incredible compared to the way Denver's unit has fared under Brock Olivo. It's a bit of a long-shot, but I could see DeCamillis getting an interview.
9. David Shaw, Stanford head coach
There's a reason Shaw's name often comes up in coaching searches, but there's also a reason he ranks so low on this list. While putting Shaw with former Stanford QB John Elway as the top Broncos decision-makers would be fun, Shaw has shown zero interest in leaving Stanford. Expect to hear his name connected in the rumor mill, but don't expect him to take the job.
8. John DeFilippo, Eagles QBs coach
We'll get to another Eagles coach later, but John DeFilippo will generate some head coaching buzz this offseason. It might be one year too early for DeFilippo to get a head coach gig, but I said the same thing about Sean McVay last year. DeFilippo has OC experience, although it came with the Browns. But he gets some credit for the play of Carson Wentz and in what is a down class of offensive-minded coaching options, keep an eye on DeFilippo and even Rams OC Matt LaFleur.
7. Steve Wilks, Panthers defensive coordinator
Wilks is 48 years old and is in his first year as a defensive coordinator. The Panthers defense didn't miss a beat with Sean McDermott in Buffalo this year, a credit to Wilks. He's well-regarded in the coaching world with a background in the secondary. Due to the Rooney Rule, Wilks is a good candidate to get an interview. However, another coach with one year of DC experience who specialises in DBs might not be the best idea for the Broncos.
6. Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator
The Chiefs' offense is back on track and there's one notable change the team has made: giving Nagy play-calling duties. The offense is clicking again and that will help Nagy's job chances. Just like Doug Pederson before him, Andy Reid's OC will draw head coaching interest. The Broncos might like the idea of poaching a coach from an AFC West rival. Nagy could be huge for whomever is Denver's starting QB next year.
5. Matt Patricia, Patriots defensive coordinator
Entering the 2017 season, Patricia was one of the more coveted coaches. The Patriots defense struggled early on but has rebounded despite missing a few key players. The former rocket scientist has done a little bit of everything since joining the Patriots in 2004. He's served as an offensive assistant, offensive line coach, a linebackers coach, a safeties coach and took over as the defensive coordinator in 2012. The buzz around Patricia picked up last year and it should only grow. He's just 43 years old and he'll get a head coaching gig in the near future.
4. Frank Reich, Eagles offensive coordinator
Reich is one of the hottest names in the NFL right now given the success of the Eagles this season. Carson Wentz, in his second year, emerged as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league before his injury. Reich would likely help Trubisky continue his development. The Eagles' creative offense is a major reason why they have had success this season and the Broncos could be looking for a fresh start. Reich will be connected to multiple jobs this offseason.
3. Jim Bob Cooter, Lions offensive coordinator
Cooter came to the Lions in 2014 as the teams' quarterbacks coach before he was promoted in Week 8 of the 2015 NFL season. It was a move that saved Jim Caldwell's job at the time. Before that, he coached as an offensive assistant with the Broncos and helped guide the offense to a 2013 Super Bowl appearance. Cooter is in his ninth NFL season and after a lackluster offensive performance from the Broncos this season, he may be the new face they need calling the shots.
2. Pat Shurmur, Vikings offensive coordinator
The Vikings have been one of the surprise teams this season with a 13-3 record and have secured a playoff bye. The offense lost Teddy Bridgewater last season due to a horrific leg injury and Sam Bradford this season, but the coaching of Shurmur has reignited Case Keenum's career. Not many offensive coordinators would be able to lose two quarterbacks and still be successful, but Shurmur has found a way. Shurmur was the head coach of the Browns from 2011 to 2012 where things did not go well, but he has rehabbed his image in stints with Philadelphia and Minnesota.
1. Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coordinator
Toub is one of the greatest special teams coaches in the history of the NFL. He has turned the Chiefs special teams into one of the most feared units, as he has at all of his previous stops. He is respected throughout the NFL and has a great relationship with the players and front office. At 55 years old, Toub is older than many first-time head coaches but will draw interest after having interviews last season. Denver interviewed Toub last year and nearly hired him. He'll be a top candidate this time as well.
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