As the Denver Broncos diligently search for Nathaniel Hackett’s replacement, Russell Wilson’s fall from grace has sparked several debates over how desirable the Broncos head coaching job is.
And though he’s taken his fair share of criticism this year, Wilson argued his case for why head coach of the Broncos is still a premier job.
"I think this is a special job," Wilson told reporters on Wednesday. "[It is] a special place, a special tradition, special players. I mean, world-class players.”
I'm told some initial names being discussed for the #Broncos head coach vacancy, per league source, include:
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022
Dan Quinn
Darrell Bevell
Eric Bienemy
Sean Payton
Demeco Ryans
Shane Steichen
It’s clear based on how badly Hackett tanked through 15 games, the Broncos need someone with head coaching experience. Hackett’s 4-11 record Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh immediately come to mind.
Although if the reports are true about Payton assembling a staff with former Broncos head coach Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator, that likely rules him out in Denver.
Jim Caldwell, Brian Flores, and Dan Quinn could also be worth interviewing.
Should Denver go down the first-time head coach road again, Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, who interviewed for the job before Hackett was hired in January, could present an intriguing option.
As would Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who’s turned Denver into the fifth-ranked defense and seventh-best scoring defense in the NFL. And the upside there is the Broncos know he’s at least interested.
“That’s always an ambition. I would say that most coaches always strive to attain that (head coach) position. But I’m not worried about that right now. I’m fully invested in this team, and we’ve got two more games.”
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