It appears the Broncos might be close to having another coaching opening.
According to a source close to the situation, Broncos tight ends coach Tim Brewster is in talks with the University of Minnesota about becoming the school’s head coach. However, Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi denied an ESPN.com report that said Brewster has been hired.
“No one has been offered the job,” Maturi told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Monday night.
The Big Ten school may make an official decision as soon as today to replace Glen Mason, who was fired. Florida co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong also has been linked as a possible candidate for the Gophers. It is believed Brewster emerged as a top candidate over the weekend.
Brewster enjoyed a reputation as a strong recruiter as an assistant coach at North Carolina and Texas. He recruited quarterback Vince Young to Texas.
In the past few months, Brewster’s name was connected to head coaching openings at Iowa State and Stanford.
Brewster has been coaching Denver’s tight ends the past two seasons after coming from the San Diego Chargers.
In addition to possibly having to fill Brewster’s job, the Broncos are expected to look at special-teams coaches. There is expected to be some coaching position changes on the offensive side of the ball with Steve Watson, Jeremy Bates and Pat McPherson candidates for new roles.
Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer and defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson recently were fired. Linebackers coach Kirk Doll isn’t expected to return in his current role, either. Barring a change in plans, the Broncos are expected to announce the hiring of defensive line coach Bill Johnson and linebackers coach Joe Baker.
Meanwhile, Patterson has received preliminary contact about the head coaching job at Rice. An interview with the Owls has not been set up. Coyer is expected to attract interest from NFL teams.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
