Coaching Staff Update for the Denver Broncos
By Joe Morrone
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears linebackers coach Reggie Herring against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos Head Coach, Gary Kubiak continues to put together a strong staff and a staff that leads to increased speculation that Wade Phillips will be the defensive coordinator.
The Broncos named Reggie Herring as their new linebackers coach on Monday. He replaces Richard Smith who left for the Atlanta Falcons to be their defensive coordinator. Smith was considered a candidate for that job with the Broncos.
Herring joins the Broncos after coaching the linebackers for the Chicago Bears in 2014. Before that, he was with the Houston Texans under Phillips. The Broncos now have two coaches in Herring and Bill Kollar who were on Phillips defensive staff in Houston. It might be a coincidence but it feels like Kubiak is putting together a defensive staff that Phillips would approve.
Beyond his tenure with the Texans, Herring also coached the linebackers for the Dallas Cowboys from 2008-10. During that time, DeMarcus Ware led the league in sacks during two of those seasons while playing outside linebacker in a 3-4. If Phillips does eventually become the defensive coordinator for the Broncos, then chances are good that they would move to a 3-4 and Ware would make the move from defensive end back to outside linebacker.
In addition to his excellent work with Ware, Herring has also worked with Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans with the Texans. Both of them were Pro Bowl caliber players under Herring. Throw in the fact that Herring and Kollar worked together with the Texans to put together one of the best front seven’s in the NFL during their time together, and the hiring makes even more sense.
The Broncos, on Monday, also officially announced the hiring of Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator. They also announced that former tight-ends coach Clancy Barone is now the team’s offensive line coach.
The elephant in the room remains the position of defensive coordinator. As mentioned, all signs seem to point towards Phillips but the Broncos have not given up on the idea of Vance Joseph. Discussions with the Cincinnati Bengals about Joseph and his availability are ongoing, but as of today the Bengals have not agreed to let him out of his contract.
From all indications, Joseph is the Broncos first choice but Phillips is a close second and it would be a shock if the next defensive coordinator was not one of those two. The Broncos would be in great shape with either Joseph or Phillips.
The coaching staff is quickly taking shape and it appears to be an extremely strong one.