After completing all 10 of the initial interviews in their head coaching search, the Denver Broncos and general manager George Paton appear to be closing in on a handful of names according to multiple prominent Broncos insiders.
Benjamin Allbright of 850KOA’s Broncos Country Tonight, who has been consistently accurate with his reports on the team’s coaching search, even before Fangio was fired, ‘suggested’ that Denver had narrowed it down to a top three of Dan Quinn, Jonathan Gannon and Nathaniel Hackett.
I'd suggest the Broncos HC finalists after wrapping their 10 interviews yesterday are Dan Quinn, Jonathan Gannon and Nathaniel Hackett.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 22, 2022
This report was given further credibility by the fact that a fellow Broncos insider, 9News’ Mike Klis, reported a list of five potential finalists in a recent article, which included all three of the coaches mentioned in Allbright’s list.
Dan Quinn has long been rumored to be a favorite for the Broncos’ head coaching position. How beloved he is by his players — both past and present — and his reputation as a culture builder are traits that should appeal to Broncos Country, as those traits were severely lacking under Fangio.
Another failing of Fangio was hiring a strong group of coordinators, and while there are reasons to be concerned with Quinn’s ability to replenish his staff, there is reason to be optimistic he could put together a compelling staff with rumors linking both Packers quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy and 49ers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel to him.
Nathaniel Hackett has also been rumored as a favorite for the job since his interview, which was reportedly very impressive per Woody Paige of the Colorado Springs Gazette. His close relationship with Aaron Rodgers, experience, as well as offensive creativity and ingenuity would be exciting selling points to Broncos fans. Hackett could also potentially bring Getsy along with him.
Last is Jonathan Gannon, who doesn’t appear to be a fan favorite, based on the social media discourse, but has been a favorite of a multitude of coaching search parties.
Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has made extremely strong impression on the Texans with league sources saying Gannon 'knocked it out of the park' in interviews with them, Broncos and Vikings. Very well-prepared, per sources. Regarded as very strong contender
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 22, 2022
His on-field results running the Eagles’ defense were far from promising this season, but he’s reportedly a leader of men, who interviewed remarkably well. His four-year overlap with George Paton in Minnesota, where Gannon was an assistant defensive backs coach from 2014 to 2017, also probably helps.