The fax machine at Dove Valley may get busy in the next few days.
With the hiring and firing season officially on, at least two key employees of the Broncos are expected to draw interest from other NFL teams.
ESPN and The Associated Press reported Sunday the long- anticipated departure of Houston Texans coach Dom Capers, saying Capers will be fired today. That means Denver offensive coordinator and Houston native Gary Kubiak likely will be approached for an interview by the Texans. A formal request is expected to come as early as today.
Because the Broncos, who will host an AFC playoff game Jan. 14 or Jan. 15, are in the postseason, any team that wants to talk to an assistant coach must do it this week and do it in Denver. Kubiak could not be hired by Houston or any other team until the Broncos’ season is completed.
There is speculation throughout the NFL that Kubiak will be a serious candidate for the Houston coaching job.
Meanwhile, it appears Denver director of pro personnel Rick Smith may be a finalist for a top personnel position with Minnesota. The Vikings, who fired coach Mike Tice on Sunday, interviewed in-house candidates Scott Studwell and Jeff Robinson during the weekend and Philadelphia Eagles executive Tom Heckert is expected in today.
The Vikings have long admired Smith, who was interviewed by the San Francisco 49ers last January. The same interview rules apply to NFL front-office jobs.
Bradlee never happy
Just as he did after every preseason performance, Broncos backup quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt was critical of himself after his first extensive NFL playing time.
Van Pelt completed 2-of-8 passes for 7 yards Saturday at San Diego. But he did gain 41 yards on 10 carries and led Denver on two 14-play drives. Denver outscored San Diego 9-0 with Van Pelt playing in the second half.
“I was 2-for-8, that’s horrible,” Van Pelt said. “I can’t be 2-for-8. I don’t want to hear about the running yards. I know I can do that. My job as a quarterback is to complete passes, not run the ball. I have to get better.”
Meanwhile, Van Pelt said the San Diego defense was talking to him throughout the game.
“They didn’t know who I was,” Van Pelt said. “I think I surprised them with my moves, but I really don’t care what those guys have to say anyway.”
Startling stat
After allowing 31 points at Kansas City on Dec. 4, the Broncos have allowed a total of only 37 points in their past four games.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
