The Broncos coaching search continues to tilt toward experience and defense with a notable exception.
Denver will interview Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor on Thursday in southern California, per a source. Taylor has worked under NFL whiz kid coach Sean McVay. A former University of Nebraska quarterback, Taylor, 35, has served as boss of receivers and quarterbacks with the Rams over the past two seasons. McVay deserves credit for the Rams revival, but Taylor is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks. He previously worked with the Miami Dolphins.
Taylor helped elevate Rams quarterback Jared Goff this season, and could bring a new set of eyes and ideas to a Broncos offense that has stunk for the better part of 3 1/2 seasons. The Broncos ranked 24th in points scored this season at 20.6, and quarterback Case Keenum was the 29th ranked quarterback and tied for second with 15 interceptions. The Rams averaged 32.9 points per game this season, second behind the Chiefs, and while employing novel passing routes, still lean heavily on the run.
"We’ve relied on our defense for a long time. I think that we’re still going to rely on the defense, but we definitely have to get better on the offensive side,” Broncos John Elway said to my question at Monday's season-ending press conference. “That starts with some continuity. It’s going to be very important for us to get some continuity on the offensive side. This will be our fourth system in four years. That is something that we’re really going to concentrate on, getting some continuity. That’s what comes with the same system and finding the right guys. That’s going to be a big part of it."
While Taylor's experience suggests he's not ready to become head coach, he could blow the Broncos away in his interview or impress them enough to become a leading candidate for their offensive coordinator's job. Gary Kubiak's presence is affecting the coaching search with Elway allowing that he believes Kubiak could coach again with the Broncos.
In what role remains the question: Would Kubiak serve as an assistant head coach? Or as the offensive coordinator? It is a fluid situation.
Following the Taylor interview, Denver is expected to talk with Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak on Friday, followed by Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on Monday, per reports. Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores was scheduled for Monday, but now on docket for Saturday. The Broncos are interviewing Chuck Pagano on Wednesday in Denver.
