We heard earlier this week that Vic Fangio‘s future with the Broncos was in doubt, and it sounds like the head coach will be hard press to keep his job. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and James Palmer report that “Fangio’s future remains up in the air” heading into tonight’s season finale against the Chiefs.
According to the report, Fangio met with general manager George Paton this week to discuss “his plans and make his case to stay for a fourth season as head coach.” Multiple sources believe the organization will ultimately fire their head coach, and at the very least, staff changes will be made. Fangio, a former defensive coordinator, has struggled to put together a capable offense during his three seasons in Denver, and the report from earlier this week was that Paton was hoping his head coach would put together a compelling plan for the future of the offense.
While Paton, who is finishing his first year on the job, didn’t hire Fangio, the two reportedly have a “strong relationship.” However, we heard earlier this week that team brass had internal discussions about the possibility of moving on from Fangio and has done background work on potential HC candidates. Further, Fangio’s refusal to pull play-calling duties from OC Pat Shurmur caused some locker room tension earlier this year (and potentially hurting his chances of retaining his job).
If Fangio does get the ax, he may not be without work for long. The 63-year-old defensive guru will be high atop the wish lists of clubs in need of a DC, especially if such a club hires a first-year, offensive-minded head coach. It was Fangio’s work as the Bears’ defensive coordinator that landed him the Broncos’ HC job to begin with. He also served in that capacity with the Panthers, Colts, Texans, and 49ers.
The Broncos have gone 19-29 during Fangio’s two-plus seasons at the helm.
See ya! Once again, the Broncos will be in a rebuilding mode until they can land a franchise QB. That opportunity passed this past April when they could have had Fields or Mac Jones. Unless they can land Rodgers or Wilson they will be circling the drain for the next decade trying to compete with the likes of Mahomes & Herbert in the AFC west.
The defense is only any good because of Fangio. Other than Bradley Chubb and Shelby Harris, there aren’t any players there that were known names on the team before his arrival. If Fangio goes, the defense will need to be addressed as well.
The best option is to fire Shurmur and Shula and hire a new offensive staff. The Broncos have pieces in place right now to compete, outside of the quarterback position. Those pieces can’t wait three or four years to develop a new QB. I’m not sure how many pro-ready prospects there are this year in the draft, but plenty of veteran QBs should be available. It’s not the best solution (unless Denver lands Rodgers), but I don’t think the team should go full rebuild with so many young contributors under contract.
Perhaps he can stay as DC then (kidding)
Fangio was fired the moment they traded Von Miller.
What?
FANGIO WAS FIRED THE MOMENT THEY TRADED VON MILLER.
I don’t care who your are, that’s right there is funny