Incredible: Vic Fangio, the former head coach of Denver, has announced his return to the team.
DENVER (AP) In search of a new head coach, the Denver Broncos are embarking on the longest losing season by a Super Bowl champion in NFL history, having gone six years without making the playoffs.
Vic Fangio was let go by the Broncos after three seasons of 19–30 results, including a 7–10 record this year despite playing the league’s easiest schedule and with the highest-paid defense.
Joe Ellis, the team’s president and CEO, and George Paton, the team’s first-year general manager, would not have let Fangio go on Sunday morning if his unwavering will, humble demeanor, and exceptional professionalism had produced better results on the field.
I’ve never seen a man sound like a better hire than Paton did when he said, “He’s the best coach I’ve ever been around.” Furthermore, I take that seriously. His work ethic, toughness, football mentality, and attention to detail are unmatched.
Ellis agreed, saying, “He gave this job his all.” “Never have I seen a coach put in more effort. We are ultimately assessed based only on our ability to win.
The last two seasons, Fangio’s.387 winning percentage, include a 6-11 home record—the worst two-year stretch in Denver since the team finished 4-10 in 1967–68. Against the AFC West, his team had a mere 5-13 record.
After winning a Super Bowl, the Broncos are the first team in league history to go six straight seasons without making the playoffs, with Fangio overseeing half of those seasons.
During his first head coaching position in Denver, Fangio, 63, cemented his reputation as a defensive guru; however, his teams suffered greatly on offense under tough coordinator Pat Shurmur and on special teams under Tom McMahon.
Fangio isn’t anticipated to be unemployed for very long. If there are any more coaching changes this month, he will be a serious contender for the position of defensive coordinator.
The NFL’s third head coach position is available with the Broncos. In the midst of a scandal during the season, head coaches Urban Meyer of the Jaguars and Jon Gruden of the Raiders were fired.
Ellis announced that Paton will have “full authority to select the next head coach.” Ellis is stepping down later this year.
Nonetheless, Paton stated that he would speak with Ellis and John Elway, the departing president of football operations, whose term ends in 2022.
Paton stated that he had no requirements about an applicant’s offensive or defensive background or head coaching experience and that he would reach out to possible candidates on Monday.
