4:58pm: Vic Lombardi of CBS4 (via Twitter) hears that the entire Broncos coaching staff has been let go. That would include offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was presumed by many as a candidate to fill Fox’s old position.
4:18pm: The Broncos and coach John Fox will part ways, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The decision came after Fox and team president John Elway met earlier this afternoon, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
On Sunday, the Broncos’ playoff run ended at the hands of Andrew Luck and the Colts. Immediately after the game, speculation began to fly about the job security of Fox. The phrasing of today’s news, however, would lead one to believe that this was something of a mutual decision. After all, with a number of vacancies around the NFL, including intriguing teams like the Falcons and Bears, Fox could be very open to a change. Peyton Manning had a quality season on the whole, but his performance in Sunday’s defeat could signal that the aging quarterback is in the decline phase of his career. On top of that, the Broncos have several key players set to hit the open market, including wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas.
Meanwhile, Elway will have many interesting options to choose from as he looks to replace Fox. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who has earned a strong reputation around football in recent years, could be a top candidate for the position. There are also a pair of veteran options with ties to the organization out there: Mike Shanahan and Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Kubiak has already said that he’ll remain in Baltimore, but one has to wonder if the opportunity to take over as the head coach in Denver would change his mind.
In four seasons as the head coach on the Broncos, Fox recorded an impressive 46-18 record. His previous stint with the Panthers produced a 73-71 mark.
With the new head coaching vacancy in Denver, there are now six teams looking for a head coach.
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