With all interviews complete and a new coach not yet named, we are left to examine the candidates and rank who is likely to be announced in the coming days.
Dan Quinn
Quinn is the obvious favorite, but he also has options. Paton is expected to extend an offer to Quinn and whether he accepts dictates the need for the rest of this list.
Kevin O’Connell
The Rams coordinator had a great interview with Paton and his staff last week, enough to stand out as the clear favorite for the offensive-minded direction should they go that route. O’Connell could receive other offers but the Denver HC would likely be the most attractive, unless he decides to stay in Los Angeles.
Nathaniel Hackett
I was skeptical of the Nathaniel Hackett interest, as it seems impractical to hire a first-time head coach (especially one whose best work has largely relied on hall-of-fame level QB play) in order to attract said quarterback to your team. As the dust settles Hackett‘s name remains in the conversation if Quinn is unavailable, and with Green Bay losing in the divisional round Rodgers could be on the move. Even without Rodgers, Paton seems to have confidence in Hackett‘s abilities to lead the Broncos in the event his first choices aren’t available. Hackett would likely come with Luke Getsy (also interviewed by Denver) as his offensive coordinator, though Hackett would be the play caller.
Jonathan Gannon
I was surprised to hear members of the front office come out with strong support for Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon as a realistic candidate from a defensive perspective if Quinn ceases to be an option. Gannon’s previous history with Paton means the Denver GM knows his style perhaps more than the average Denver fan would, and also that Paton is comfortable with Gannon executing his vision from a coaching perspective.
If Quinn or Gannon are chosen, the prime question is who will be the offensive coordinator? The Denver defense is one of the best in the league and primed for a competent offense to compliment their efforts.
If one of the offensive coaches is chosen, the defensive coordinator job is a little easier to fill. But neither of them have much experience coordinating offenses, let alone head coaching, so it will be an interesting ride. The last two Broncos first time head coaches (Vance Joseph and Vic Fangio) did not fare so well, and unless Quinn takes the job, a first-time head coach is the apparent path Denver is going down.
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