On Saturday, the Denver Broncos lost to the Kansas City Chiefs to end their season at 7-10. On Sunday, the Broncos fired head coach Vic Fangio after three consecutive losing seasons.
We’ve parted ways with Head Coach Vic Fangio. pic.twitter.com/skaXOvEGBk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 9, 2022
The Broncos reportedly also fired offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, per Mike Klis of 9News.
Denver went 19-30 in Fangion’s three seasons at the helm, finishing 4th in the AFC West the last two years.
“This morning, George and I informed Vic of the decision to part ways with him as head coach of the Denver Broncos,” President and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. “For the last three seasons, Vic put his heart and soul into coaching the Broncos. I want to thank Coach Fangio for giving his maximum effort to our organization since the day he was hired.
“George will have full authority to select the next head coach of the Broncos. This is his decision and his program. I have complete confidence in George’s ability to lead an exhaustive and successful head coaching search.”
Fangio also released a statement, thanking the Broncos for the opportunity and wishing his players well.
A statement from Vic Fangio: pic.twitter.com/SH4z0fDFcm
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 9, 2022
The move was ultimately unsurprising to many in NFL circles. And while it didn’t work out as a head coach, many expect Fangio to be considered a top defensive coordinator prospect around the league next year. Some suspect that if Jim Harbaugh does return to the NFL, Fangio will be his first call.
Every team in need of a DC should be calling him https://t.co/XPXioCo0V9
— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 9, 2022
Del Rio has already stated he’s staying as the DC in Washington next year, but if Fangio is willing to become a DC again, just about every team in the league should be interested, including Washington. Would probably end up with Harbaugh if he comes back to NFL https://t.co/ip1k2Ej6v7
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) January 9, 2022
It’s a do good league not a try hard league…losing 30 games in three years will never be good enough. https://t.co/Y3unJ93bll
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) January 9, 2022
Too bad for Vic. Some NFL team somewhere is gonna get the top DC candidate on the market. https://t.co/Yue94zG7UI
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) January 9, 2022
This is what happens to good defensive coaches who don’t have — or can’t develop — a QB. https://t.co/oYEXL1wg6G
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 9, 2022
Expect to hear Fangio’s name come up a lot in assistant coach searches this offseason.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.