The demands, expectations and role of an NFL head coach appears to be shifting. Broncos general manager alluded to it when he began his search to replace . New Broncos head coach Vance Joseph confirmed it in his news conference Thursday.
Joseph’s primary role will be to lead, with coordinators and position coaches responsible for play-calling and carrying out his vision.
On offense, Joseph made it clear what he wants the Broncos’ identity to be.
“Attacking,” Joseph said. “As a defensive coach if an offense is conservative, I love it because I can be the attacker. … Obviously defense wins championships, but you have to score points. I want an offense with swagger and an offense that’s up-tempo.”
Former San Diego coach Mike McCoy is expected to be the Broncos’ new offensive coordinator, a role he had before landing the Chargers job four years ago. The Broncos quickly recognized him as their top candidate after Joseph was hired and he interviewed for the position Thursday afternoon shortly after Joseph’s introduction news conference.
McCoy was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator from 2009-2012.
Former Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is still interviewing with the Broncos Friday as previously scheduled. He’s been Denver’s No. 2 option at offensive coordinator, but the Broncos may also try to sell him on another staff position to get both him and McCoy.
In 2017, the head coach’s job description is less about X’s and O’s and more about how he handles dynamic locker room personalities. Elway mentioned “culture” several times during the news conference when talking about why he chose Joseph.
Joseph believes the Broncos have an offensive core to build from, most notably all-pro receivers and and young quarterbacks and .
“I want coordinators who put players first and scheme second,” Joseph said. “If it’s not for our players, let’s not do it.”
Elway said Joseph will make the final decision on who stays among the assistants.
He has already decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, offensive line coach Clancy Barone and tight end coach Brian Pariani and offensive line assistant James Cregg among others.
The Broncos’ struggling offense, offensive line and tight ends made it unlikely Barone, Dennison or Pariani could return.
Broncos special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis also will not return. Joseph wanted to interview other candidates for the position and DeCamillis did not want to wait around to potentially be fired. DeCamillis is expected to join the Jaguars. Special teams assistant Tony Coakum also isn’t being retained.
“It’s Vance’s staff,” Elway said. “Any recommendations he wants from me, I’ll give. I obviously know the staff that’s been there, but Vance knows what he wants on a staff as well. If I have to give input, I will.”
Joseph has begun making list of people to fill some of the Broncos’ offensive and defensive position coach openings as well as the special teams coordinator opening with interviews expected soon.
Joseph said he expects to fill out his coaching staff in the next week to week a half. A few Broncos coaches, including running backs coach Eric Studesville, who will interview for the Jets offensive coordinator position, have received interest from other teams.
The three names to watch on the offensive staff are Studesville, quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp and receivers coach Tyke Tolbert. They are the most beloved of the offensive coaches by players.
McCoy was highly successful in his run in Denver, getting solid production from quarterbacks such as Kyle Orton and . He received his first head coach opportunity coming off his record-breaking first season with .
McCoy is known across the league for his ability to shift his scheme depending on his players, such as when Tebow took over as the starting quarterback.
“I’ve known Mike a long time,” Joseph said, who said McCoy is a strong play-caller.
Next summer, the Broncos quarterback competition will draw the most attention among the position battles. McCoy’s addition should benefit both quarterbacks and make the offense better. The Chargers ranked in the top 10 in scoring and passing offense last season despite a 5-11 record.
“The quarterback position is the key component to having a winning football team,” Joseph said. “With Trevor, it’s a guy that’s smart…Then you’ve got Paxton, who’s a big, tall slinger of the football and athletic.”
Joseph said he intends on having an open competition between Siemian and Lynch for the starting quarterback position.
“They’re so different,” Joseph said. “So hopefully we can build a system around both those guys and have them compete, and whoever is better, plays. That’s fair.”
