re: Who is the next Broncos Head coach

quote:

---

Elway was in talks with Mike Shanahan to return for a second stint as head coach of the Denver Broncos. However, Elway knew he’d have to sell a potential Shanahan return to team President Joe Ellis, and so the idea was to package Shanahan’s return with the signing of soon-to-be free agent QB Kirk Cousins, whom Shanahan drafted in the fourth round back in 2012.

Ellis did take a couple hours to think on it before giving Elway two options. Either retain Joseph for another year and go get him a better QB, or fire Joseph and go through a comprehensive head-coaching search sans-Shanahan

---

quote:

---

Without Shanahan on board, Kirk Cousins wouldn’t entertain Denver as a destination, and so Elway had to settle for Case Keenum.

However, the Broncos have only won six games this season under Joseph and an ostensibly better QB. Its worth noting that Paige, who cited multiple sources close to the team, also reported that Cousins was willing to entertain Denver at a discounted rate, had Shanahan been part of the deal.

---

quote:

---

In 2016, the awkward relationships between the trio of Elway, Shanahan and Ellis once again became a factor when the Broncos were looking to find a replacement for Gary Kubiak. Denver’s front office had every intention of hiring Vance Joseph as the next head coach, but after interviewing an up-and-coming Kyle Shanahan, Elway was conflicted. The Broncos’ front office had been eyeing Joseph for a few seasons, but K. Shanahan was so impressive in his interview that Elway paused and considered hiring the then-Falcons offensive coordinator instead. Ultimately Elway’s respect for Joseph and leadership qualities won over the front office. But, according to Shapiro, the other big factor that led to the Broncos picking VJ over Kyle was Elway and Ellis did not want Mike’s influence in the building. “They both had frosty relationships with Mike at the time and didn’t want him around,” Shapiro said

---

quote:

---

So do the Cowboys

---