The Denver Broncos made a catastrophic mistake in 2017 by replacing Kyle Shanahan with Vance Joseph. Four years later, the franchise will have an opportunity to correct this error.
So-so.
In his “sensible plan” to “fix” the Broncos, Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr – who had already suggested acquiring Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota in the next off-season – advised the team to replace offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur with one of Shanahan’s top lieutenants in San Francisco, passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur or racing game coordinator Mike McDaniel.
“Step on the accelerator of one of Kyle Shanahan’s two ‘offensive coordinators’, Mike LaFleur and Mike McDaniel, and see if you can afford to have one of them execute his attack in 2021,” said Orr. “Shanahan held on to both of them firmly during the head coach cycle last year, so maybe some kind of ‘head coach’ title is needed to subvert all administrative bureaucracy. I really think Lock can be saved and that Denver has all the pieces to win 10 games. Although this is a temporary solution, given that LaFleur and McDaniel are on a main coach path, installing and committing to the Shanahan attack is among the safest bets you can make now as head coach. “
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Although Shanahan is the brain behind an offense that has been months away from a Super Bowl appearance, LaFleur (brother of Packers coach Mike LaFleur) and McDaniel are integral components of the operation. Hence the annual enthusiasm among the league’s growing coach prospects.
Under the first, the Niners squeezed the production of mid-range and replacement dowels, from Jimmy Garoppolo to CJ Beathard and Nick Mullens. Under the latter, the club’s running-back-by-committee spawned several well-known names in the fantasy community, such as Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and Jerrick McKinnon.
LaFleur (33) and McDaniel (37) are green, but experienced, thanks to their involvement in Shanahan’s calling and game planning processes. Either would represent a refreshing diversion from Shurmur, 55, whose vanilla offense seems to have stayed in 2005. After all, it is a young man’s business, and neither Shurmur nor Broncos chief Vic Fangio (62) adopted with the times.
However, the mulligan that Fangio received, his decided return for 2021, probably extends to Shurmur. The front office seeks continuity after a fifth consecutive season without playoffs, which means that the status quo should remain largely.
Never say never – few predicted Rich Scangarello’s resignation – but it’s hard to imagine Fangio dumping his second OC in so many years, especially if quarterback Drew Lock has another chance like The Guy.
As Shanahan himself was, the Broncos choosing from his coach tree is little more than a dream.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL and @MileHighHuddle