A Look at the Early Candidates as the Denver Broncos Begin Their Search for a Head Coach

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak on the sidelines in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

With the Denver Broncos well into their first day of the search for their next head coach, there are going to be a ton of reports and rumors. Some will have substance behind them and some will not.

We are going to do our best throughout the process to keep you informed about what’s going on and what is fact, and what is fiction. Sometimes updates will come on a daily basis and other times there might be a day or two in between, depending on what’s going on.

As the search begins, let’s take a look at the initial list of potential candidates and how they might fit what John Elway is looking for.

Gary Kubiak: The former Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator on the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions appears to be the front runner right now. It should be noted, however, that the Broncos have not asked for permission to speak with him and Kubiak stated over the weekend that he was staying with the Baltimore Ravens. However he said that before the Broncos had an opening and many believe that he will listen if Elway calls.

As mentioned, Kubiak does bring championship experience as an assistant coach and is excellent with quarterbacks. That will be key in the development of Brock Osweiler and Zac Dysert.

Dan Quinn: The Broncos do have interest in the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator but there are two problems. Number one is the fact that the Broncos would likely have to wait until after the Super Bowl to even talk to Quinn. The second problem is that there are reports that Quinn wants the Atlanta Falcons job, and he has already interviewed there. Can the Broncos afford to wait and then not get him? That’s something that Elway will have to consider.

The draw of Quinn is obvious, he’s the defensive coordinator for the best defense in football and would do wonders with the talent that the Broncos have on that side of the ball. Quinn would also bring championship experience and an attitude that Elway is looking for.

Rick Dennison: Dennison, like Kubiak, is also a former Broncos player and coach. He was a coach on the Super Bowl Champions and as we’ve said, that would appeal to Elway.

The number one asset that Dennison would bring would be the fact that he has been a position coach for multiple positions. The drawback is that he has limited experience as a coordinator and is he ready to lead a team with such high aspirations.

Teryl Austin: Austin spent last season as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and guided them to the second ranked defense in football. Austin is known for an aggressive style that feature blitzes. That style is perfectly suited to the talent the Broncos have on defense.

The Broncos have put in a request to speak with Austin who also has a second interview with the Falcons. If he happened to get the job with the Falcons, the Broncos might be more inclined to wait for Quinn.

Adam Gase: Elway and Gase spent Wednesday morning talking but reports are that he will get the job in San Francisco. The 49ers want him and I believe that’s where he ends up. Even if Gase does not get the 49ers job, he doesn’t seem to fit what Elway is looking for.

He has no championship experience and his offense is based on finesse, and Elway has made it known that he wants a tougher team.

Jack Del Rio: Del Rio has reportedly accepted the head coaching job with the Oakland Raiders, so he will obviously not be a candidate. The Broncos interest would have been limited anyway. Elway was not pleased with how the talent on defense was used this season.

That’s where the Broncos search will begin and there are sure to be more names that will come up over the next couple of weeks.