By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos are 3-5 on the season. This Sunday they take on the Las Vegas Raiders hoping to improve on that record. Another loss by Denver and the seat for Head Coach Vic Fangio could be getting hotter.
Fangio agreed to become the Denver Broncos Head Coach after the 2018 season. The contract has 2 more years and it could add another season depending on how he coaches. The problem with Fangio at this point is his record in Denver. Last year they ended at 7-9. This season they are 3-5 but it isn’t over yet. The Broncos could catch fire and end 8-8 or better. If Denver fails to be a .500 team, which wouldn’t show improvement, it would be the 4th straight season with an under .500 record.
Denver still may keep Fangio after the year even if they fall short of .500. They are a young offense that is learning the NFL game. They are only going to develop their game more in time.
Firing Fangio could mean quarterback Drew Lock would be on his 3rd offensive coordinator in 3 years which would be far too many. It hurts Lock’s ability to grow as a quarterback. He would need to learn a whole new offense yet again. If Denver decides to let Fangio go, they will have to pay for the remainder of his contract. There are a few coaches Denver might be interested in the unlikely event they fire Fangio
One coordinator who is going to be in high-demand is Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. He has ties to Colorado playing college football at the University of Colorado. He coached there as the running backs coach from 2001 to 2002 and was the offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012.
Bieniemy is an offensive minded coach which is different than Fangio. Fangio is a defensive coach. Bieniemy has shown how well he can coach a young quarterback with Kansas City in Patrick Mahomes. He is willing to create an offense that would suit Lock’s strength which is the play action.
Bieniemy may not be available because other franchises with head coaching vacancies may pick him up. His offensive style will be intriguing to another team.
Another coach Denver may look at is Jason Garrett. Garett has NFL head coaching experience with the Dallas Cowboys. Under him, Dallas went 85-67, a winning percentage of .559. Dallas advanced to the playoffs 3 times.
Denver could go in house to hire a Head Coach and one that makes sense is offensive line coach Mike Munchak. Munchak spent 3 years as the Tennessee Titans Head Coach. His record was 22-26 and failed to make the playoffs. The Broncos wouldn’t have to change the offense much with Munchak. He might keep the offensive coaches.
The Broncos will do what is best for their team moving forward. They probably are not going to can Fangio. A poor ending to the year may end his time. Denver isn’t ready to move on yet and it might be a few more years of Fangio in the Mile High City even if they don’t reach the postseason this year
Leave a Reply