The Denver Broncos are a hot NFL topic at the moment, and for good reason.
Team Ownership fired their head coach unexpectedly after a hugely successful regular season and the team now sits as possibly the most attractive opening on the market. Yet they watch – patiently or impatiently, it's hard to tell – as key NFL coaching candidates continue to be snatched up elsewhere.
It was reported early Friday that Broncos general manager John Elway has his sights set firmly on Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, for the franchise's top spot, while Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, has reportedly removed himself from consideration.
Now, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that while the team is in fact set to interview supposed front-runner Kubiak on Sunday, they'll actually be sitting down with a pretty big name in the NFL's coaching carousel, in former Bills head honcho, Doug Marrone, the day before.
"Broncos are scheduled to interview former Bills HC Doug Marrone on Saturday and Ravens OC Gary Kubiak on Sunday, per source," Schefter tweeted.
It could simply be a manner of scheduling. It could mean nothing.
But it could also be a possible glimpse into Elway's real preference. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that Elway has heard from many coaches within the league who are "touting Marrone."
Marrone, 50, unexpectedly opted out of his contract with the Bills at the end of the year after the team changed hands, in-season, to the Pegula family, a move that "shocked" owner Terry Pegula.
In two seasons at the helm of the Bills, Marrone amassed a 15-17 record with no playoff appearances. He built a strong defense – the team finished third against the pass and eleventh against the run – and seemed to have the team on an ascending trajectory.
But due to a provision in his contract that allowed him to opt out – and still get paid $4 million – if the team was sold while he was still employed, Marrone was faced with a decision once Buffalo's offseason began.
He chose to depart and is now set to interview with Elway and the Broncos – a team that already boasts an answer, albeit possibly a short-term one, at the game's most important position and a roster laden with talent.
