Fansided

Grading the NFL head coaching hires

By Bryce Olin

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway (left) head coach Gary Kubiak (center) and president Joe Ellis (right) pose for a photo following the press conference at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway (left) head coach Gary Kubiak (center) and president Joe Ellis (right) pose for a photo following the press conference at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Denver Broncos: Gary Kubiak

Grade: C+

I understand why John Elway is trying to make some changes, but as a realist, I can’t imagine the 2011 coaching staff of the FREAKIN’ Houston Texans winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.

You know what no team on the brink of winning a Super Bowl has ever said, “You know who we need to win the Super Bowl? Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips.”

But, that’s what Elway did. He’s reuniting all the old Broncos players and coaches from his playing days and giving them jobs.

My question, though: Why replace a great coach who has never won a Super Bowl with a slightly worse coach who also hasn’t won a Super Bowl as a head coach? It doesn’t really make sense.

Peyton Manning is getting older, and it’s obvious he can’t make the throws he was making even two years ago. Elway had a very similar experience in his final years in the NFL. So, you know what Elway did? He went out and got his old offensive coordinator to coach his team with another aging quarterback.

Back then, Kubiak’s stretch running game prolonged Elway’s career, as the Broncos literally ran Terrell Davis into the ground. Elway obviously thinks they can use that same strategy to prolong Manning’s career.

That part of the deal makes sense.

On top of that, if John Fox was already out the door after the season win or lose, the Broncos couldn’t go wrong with hiring Kubiak. It’s not like there were many other good names out there.

That’s the silver lining I can find for Broncos fans, although I would have really liked to see Manning, Fox, Jack Del Rio, and Adam Gase give it one last go in Denver before Manning hangs them up.

Next: Oakland Raiders

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