4 under-the-radar candidates that could replace Nathaniel Hackett as the Broncos' head coach
The Denver Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett on Monday in a move that surprised absolutely no one. Hackett, who was hired by the Broncos after the 2021 season, was 4-11 through 15 games. The poor win/loss record was obviously a big reason for the decision, but it was far from the only reason. The culture in […]
The Denver Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett on Monday in a move that surprised absolutely no one.
Hackett, who was hired by the Broncos after the 2021 season, was 4-11 through 15 games. The poor win/loss record was obviously a big reason for the decision, but it was far from the only reason.
The culture in Denver appeared to be horrible this season. We got an example of that this past weekend when offensive lineman Dalton Risner shoved backup quarterback Brett Rypien on the sideline after asking Risner to help Russell Wilson up.
The Broncos need a culture change and a new offensive identity. And there are a couple of "under the radar" coaches who could be options for Denver
Joe Brady — Buffalo Bills QBs coach
It seems like a lot of folks have forgotten about Joe Brady. He was one of the fastest-rising coaches in the business just a couple of years ago after helping turn LSU's offense in 2019 into one of the best college football offenses we've ever seen.
Brady, who was an offensive analyst with the New Orleans Saints in 2017/2018, left Baton Rouge after one year to become the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers under Matt Rhule. Brady was fired after less than two seasons. That might be a red flag for some, but Rhule was a disaster in Charlotte. I don't think anything that happened in Carolina can be held against Brady.
If the Broncos hire Brady, they'd be getting an innovative offensive mind who specializes in RPOs. He doesn't have head coaching experience, but neither did most of the NFL's top head coaches when they were hired. The Hackett experiment shouldn't dissuade the Broncos from hiring a first-time head coach.
Dave Canales — Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach
Dave Canales has an extensive history with Russell Wilson as he's served on Seattle's coaching staff in various capacities since 2010. Canales was Wilson's quarterbacks coach in 2018 and 2019. He was the passing game coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before moving back to quarterbacks coach this season (where he's had a lot of success with Geno Smith).
Canales has a good relationship with Wilson, which would be massively beneficial to the Broncos.
Here's a clip of Canales from last year talking about his relationship with Wilson.
Josh Heupel — Tennessee Volunteers head coach
This is a real wild card option, but it's an option nonetheless.
CBS announcer Tony Romo mentioned earlier this season that Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel could be an option for NFL teams this offseason.
Heupel took over as Tennessee's head coach before the 2021 season. The year before hiring Heupel, the Vols had the No. 109 scoring offense in college football. In Heupel's first year, Tennessee's offense improved to No. 7 in the nation. This past season, the Vols had the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation.
The one concern about Heupel is whether or not his up-tempo spread offense would translate to the NFL. The hashes are closer together in the NFL which prevents teams from spreading out defenses like they do in college football. Still, Heupel, who led Oklahoma to a national championship as a player in 2000/2001, has proven to be an innovative offensive mind that's always adapting his offense based on how defenses try to play against him.
Jerod Mayo — New England Patriots linebackers coach
The assumption is that Denver will go with an offensive coach, but that may not necessarily be the case. If they choose to go with a non-offensive coach, then Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo could be a solid option.
Mayo interviewed with the Broncos last year and was reportedly impressive. It seems inevitable that he's going to be a head coach sooner rather than later. Taking a chance on a defensive-minded coach could be a good palate cleanser after watching Hackett struggle this season.
Featured image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
