5 candidates to replace Vance Joseph as Denver Broncos head coach
1. Mike Shanahan
This week’s rumors that Elway was looking to replace Joseph a year ago centered on discussing a return to the sideline with Shanahan before Ellis vetoed that move. A subsequent report said the Broncos are not going to consider Shanahan this time around, but the contradiction from reputable writers and reporters only fuels the idea he will be a candidate to replace Joseph.
Shanahan has been out of coaching since being fired by the Washington Redskins after the 2013 season. But the 66-year-old has suggested he’d coach again if the situation was right, and it’s too easy to see the Broncos as that implied lone situation.
The ties between Elway and Shanahan are very deep. Elway was of course the Broncos’ quarterback for back-to-back Super Bowl wins under Shanahan. Shanahan was also an assistant coach in Denver for the earlier part of Elway’s playing career, serving as wide receivers coach (1984), offensive coordinator (1985-87), quarterbacks coach (1990) and then offensive coordinator again (1991).
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Apart from nostalgia, Shanahan’s past offensive acumen makes him a solid fit for the Broncos and he’s a notable name if nothing else. His place on this list is mostly about Elway imposing his will and turning Ellis’ stance from a year ago, as the Broncos move toward some level of ingrained credibility rather than trying to uncover a hot coordinator or position coach.