The trickle-down effect of ‘s resignation will likely lead to a new coaching regime with different philosophies, routines and preferences. Which means several assistant coaches as well as players will likely be moving on.
Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and several other assistant coaches are headed into their own free agency as their contracts expired after Sunday’s game. A new head coach usually means a large turnover in staff.
The uncertainty around Phillips’ future in Denver is drawing the most attention among players. For the second consecutive season, the Broncos finished as the NFL’s top-ranked secondary.
“You can’t change that up,” safety said. “Wade has us playing at a high level. I definitely don’t see that changing. I love my position coaches, too. We watch so much film. A lot of coaches that don’t prepare as well as they do. Thatap going to be the hard part if we have to see them go.”
Joe Woods, the Broncos’ defensive backs coach, is a young coach on the rise who could be a candidate to become the new defensive coordinator if Phillips leaves.
“We’d love them to come back. I think up top, they don’t want to lose those guys either,” cornerback said of the top defensive coaches. “I don’t see any of those guys going anywhere unless the new head coach doesn’t want them. And why wouldn’t you want them?”
When Kubiak took over for John Fox in 2015, he only retained four of 18 coaches — Clancy Barone (offensive line), Gregg Knapp (quarterbacks/passing game coordinator), Eric Studesville (running backs) and Tyke Tolbert (receivers).
Coaching staffs are typically formed shortly after a head coach hire is made.
The Broncos’ offensive staff also received support from its players. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders expressed a desire for Tolbert to return and Anderson did the same for Studesville.
Running back hopes Studesville remains. “Whoever comes in, if they want to clean staff then they’ll clean staff. Thatap pretty much my concern, if my running back coach is still going to be around. Thatap the biggest relationship I have, thatap who I talk to every day.”
