The Fan’s coach power rankings: Broncos job between Fangio, Munchak
Dec 31, 2018, 8:58 AM | Updated: Jan 8, 2019, 9:07 pm
Over the past few days as the team conducts its coaching search, many names have popped up in reference to the Denver Broncos opening at head coach. Here’s 104.3 The Fan’s list of whom the club could possibly hire:
1. Vic Fangio, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator (2)
Fangio interviewed with the Broncos on Monday in Chicago but did not fly back with the team.
However, per 9News Mike Klis reports that the job comes down to Fangio and fellow candidate Mike Munchak, with the former having a “slight edge.”
The Bears defensive coordinator has only met with the Broncos despite previous reports that he would interview with the Miami Dolphins as well.
Other teams interested: Miami Dolphins
2. Mike Munchak, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach (1)
Following his interview with the Broncos on Friday, Munchak reportedly had emerged as the frontrunner for the head coach opening, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Munchak has also received the stamp of approval from several 104.3 The Fan hosts, including Mark Schelreth, who said Friday he could be the candidate to help the Broncos establish a “culture of toughness.”
However, 9News’ Mike Klis gave Vic Fangio the slight nod over Munchak on Tuesday.
Other teams interested: Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers
With several media reports indicating the Broncos head coach opening comes down to a two-horse race between Vic Fangio and Mike Munchak, the remaining candidates interviewed by the team, though not officially eliminated from contention, likely have an uphill battle to win the job.
3. Chuck Pagano, former Indianapolis Colts head coach
Pagano interviewed with the Broncos on Wednesday, the first coach to meet with the team this offseason.
The Colorado native and Fairview graduate features a resume with the requisite experience that general manager John Elway indicated he was looking for. Pagano spent six seasons at the helm of the Indianapolis Colts, compiling a 53-43 record from 2012 to 2017.
Other teams interested: Green Bay Packers
4. Brian Flores, New England Patriots defensive coordinator
The Patriots defensive coordinator has been well sought out by teams with head coaching needs this offseason, garnering interviews with four teams including the Broncos.
Flores, who’s spent his entire coaching career with the Patriots, led New England to the NFL’s 12th-ranked defense in terms of yards (5,746) and seventh in terms of points (325).
Other teams interested: Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns
5. Zac Taylor, Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach
The Broncos met with Taylor last Thursday as the Rams prepared for the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.
At 35 years old, Taylor is one of the younger candidates on the market. But he helped coach the Rams to the second-best offense in the NFL in 2018 — fifth-best in terms of passing offense.
Other teams interested: Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals
Other names
» Mike McCarthy, former Green Bay Packers head coach
» Dave Toub, Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator
» Jim Caldwell, former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach
» Ken Whisenhunt, L.A. Chargers offensive coordinator
» David Shaw, Stanford head coach
» Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator
» Matt Eberflus, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator
» Matt LaFleur, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator (Hired by Green Bay Packers)
» Matt Campbell, Iowa State head coach
» Steve Wilks, former Arizona Cardinals head coach
» Todd Bowles, former New York Jets head coach (Hired by Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
» Dirk Koetter, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach (Hired by Atlanta Falcons)
» Gregg Williams, Cleveland Browns interim head coach
» Jim Schwartz, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator