Broncos Part Ways With HC John Fox

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Broncos are in fact parting ways with HC John Fox.

• Jay Glazer of FOX Sports has confirmed the news and adds that Fox met with president/GM John Elway this afternoon when the two men agreed to move on.
• Vic Lombardi reports that the entire coaching staff has been let go in Denver, not just Fox.
• Jeff Darlington confirms that the entire coaching staff has been told they can and should “look elsewhere” for an opportunity.
• Elway told the staff that their new head coach will be allowed to retain some of them or look for his own guys, per Darlington.

Statement from John Elway:

“John Fox and I met for more than an hour on Monday afternoon to discuss the 2014 season and our goals for the future. During our open and candid conversation, it became clear that it was best for both the Denver Broncos and Coach Fox to move on and make this change.

“On behalf of the Broncos, I sincerely thank John for his many contributions during his four seasons as head coach. He helped establish a positive, winning culture for this team and deserves a lot of credit for the Broncos’ turnaround.

“While we have made significant progress under Coach Fox, there is still work to be done. I believe this change at the head coaching position will be in the best interest of our long-term goal, which from day one has been to win World Championships.

“Our organization is fully dedicated to reaching Pat Bowlen’s high standards for his team as we begin the process of finding the next head coach to lead the Denver Broncos.”

Statement from John Fox:

“I had a productive visit with John Elway this afternoon in which we were both very honest about our time together and how to best move forward. After this discussion, John and I mutually agreed that the timing was right for this decision.

“Although we came up short of our ultimate goal, I am proud of our team’s many accomplishments during these last four years. I truly appreciate all of the hard work put in by every player, coach and staff member within this organization.

“It was an honor to coach the Denver Broncos, a first-class franchise with great fans and a winning tradition. I am thankful to John, Mr. Bowlen and Joe Ellis for allowing me and my family to be part of this team and community.

“I am eager to continue my coaching career and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Glazer mentioned Sunday that there was a chance this move could be coming if Denver wound up losing to the Colts.

Glazer added that Fox would likely be in demand if he were to be available, so this is something to watch in regards to the other five head-coaching jobs that are currently available.

• According to Pro Football Talk, rumors had been circulating for weeks that, if the Broncos went one-and-out in the playoffs, Fox would be out in Denver.
• Ian Rapoport report that Elway told people as recently as yesterday that even if the team lost in a blowout, Fox would be back.

After the game, Fox told reporters that he intends to be back with the Broncos next year.

“I’ve seen all kind of reports in the past, I’m sure I’ll see some moving forward. I don’t make those decisions, I don’t control that,” Fox said. “My intentions are to be a Denver Bronco and have been since I got here.  It’s not about me; it’s about this football team.”

Fox still had another few years remaining on his contract, but it appears as though the Broncos are prepared to move in a new direction.

• However, Peter King of MMQB.com mentions that we shouldn’t automatically assume OC Adam Gase will get the job.
• Jason La Canfora believes this could be an indication that the Broncos will try to get cheaper and younger next season.
• La Canfora suggests that RB coach Eric Studesville will likely get an interview for the job.
• Chris Mortensen also expects a number of changes to be coming for the Broncos in the next few days.

Interestingly enough, King suggests Mike Shanahan could be someone the Broncos consider bringing back given that he has a great relationship with John Elway.

The Broncos were 46 and 18 (71.9 percent) since Fox took the job back in 2011. Fox led them to a Super Bowl and won eight playoff games over the course of four years.