The Broncos have finally completed the rebuilding of the offensive side of their coaching staff by hiring Mike Shula to be their quarterback coach.
“Mike is a well-respected coach around the league, especially when it comes to developing quarterbacks,” Vic Fangio said. “The familiarity he has with Pat [Shurmur] is an added bonus, but what’s most impressive is Mike’s proven track record coaching quarterbacks at many different stages of their careers. We’re fortunate to add someone with his depth of experience, coaching ability and unique perspective to our staff.”
The move comes 16 days after the firing of Rich Scangarello and two weeks after the subsequent firing of quarterbacks T.C. McCartney.
Shula, son of the legendary Don, is now the third member of the staff with head coaching experience, joining Mike Munchak and of course Pat Shurmur. No other team in the league has that many former head coaches on their staff, let alone on one side of the ball.
He last worked for the Giants under Pat Shurmur as their offensive coordinator for the 2018 and 2019 seasons and oversaw the rookie season of Daniel Jones. Jones played well last year, completing 61.9 percent of his passes with a 2:1 TD:INT ratio (24 TDs, 12 INTs).
Shula also spent time as the quarterback coach for the Dolphins from 2000-2002, for the Jaguars from 2007-2010, and for the Panthers from 2011-2012.
In 2007, with the Jaguars, he helped David Garrard play at an elite level. That season, Garrard completed 64 percent of his passes and enjoyed an NFL-best TD:INT ratio (18:3). Shula’s most impressive work came with the Panthers, though as an offensive coordinator. He oversaw the development of Cam Newton from first overall draft pick to his 15-1 MVP season in 2015, and in doing so showed the ability to tailor his scheme to his quarterback.
If he can work that magic with Drew Lock, Broncos fans should be ecstatic with the hire.
