The Broncos are expected to make another major adjustment to their coaching staff, which could include an increased role for the son of departed defensive boss Jim Bates.
As of this afternoon, the Tennessee Titans finalized a contract with Broncos assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger to run their offense.
It became all but a formality that Heimerdinger would leave Wednesday when Broncos coach Mike Shanahan gave Titans coach Jeff Fisher permission to interview Heimerdinger. The Titans asked for permission Tuesday after firing Norm Chow. Fisher, Shanahan and Heimerdinger are all friends. Heimerdinger was Tennessee’s offensive coordinator earlier this decade.
“The opportunity in Tennessee would give Mike the chance to go back to an organization and work with a head coach with whom he is very familiar, handling the entire offense and having full control over game-planning and play-calling responsibilities,” Shanahan said in a statement Wednesday.
While Heimerdinger is moving on, it appears assistant coach Jeremy Bates will have an increased role in the Broncos’ offense. Bates, 31, was Denver’s quarterbacks and receivers coach for the 2007 season and is regarded as one the top young minds in the NFL. Bates had a good working relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler.
If Bates gets a bigger role in the offense, it could come with a promotion or simply with more responsibilities. Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rick Dennison is in charge of the running game and is expected to keep those duties while Bates could be in charge of the passing game. Shanahan also may take on an increased role in the offense.
The Broncos also has considered bringing in former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell, a former Denver receivers coach.
The scenario of Chan Gailey coming to the Broncos dried up Wednesday when he finalized a deal to become the offensive coordinator with Kansas City.
With Heimerdinger on the way out, the Broncos would be making a change at the top spot on both sides of the ball. Jim Bates left the organization after one season after disappointing defensive results. Bob Slowik is taking over Bates’ duties.
Staff writer Mike Klis contributed to this report.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
