Jeremy Bates' Fate: Why the Broncos Should Be Careful

Now that the frenzy of new head coach Josh McDaniels has died down, the Denver Broncos have decisions to make regarding their assistant coaches. They should be very careful with how they handle quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates.

Bates joined the Denver Broncos in 2006, the same year that quarterback Jay Cutler was a rookie on the team. In the 2008 season, Bates took over the offensive playcalling duties and the offense prospered, rising to second in the NFL.

Now there have been reports that Bates is interviewing with the Oakland Raiders for the offensive coordinator position. McDaniels has already made it clear that he will be calling plays in 2009. It is likely that Bates wants to continue calling plays, whether or not it is for the Broncos.

The problem in all this lies with Jay Cutler. The 25-year-old had developed an extremely strong relationship with his quarterbacks coach and had lobbied hard for the Broncos to retain him in 2009.

If Bates should leave, Cutler will be extremely disappointed. Cutler is known as someone who expresses his views, even if they conflict with the team's. He criticized the decision to fire Mike Shanahan, and would undoubtedly make his voice heard if Bates takes another job.

Bates is one of the rising stars in the world of NFL offenses. He developed a series of plays that made the most of Jay Cutler's strengths, such as throwing out of the pocket. He led Cutler to a 4,500 yard season and made Jay a pro-bowler. 

If Denver manages to retain him, he would most likely move up to the offensive coordinator position. Although McDaniels wants to call the plays, he should seriously consider sitting down with Bates and talking over the future.

The best scenario for the team would be a partnership between the two, with Bates and McDaniels coming up with plays together, although it would be Josh's voice in Jay's helmet.

Bates would contribute his knowledge of the current team to help get Josh up to speed, and he would continue his development of the bootleg passes for Cutler. McDaniels would contribute his knowledge of passing from the pocket, something Tom Brady was extremely good at.

Aside from coaching duties, Bates would continue to "hang out" with Cutler and be his mentor and friend in the locker room. It is important to have a quarterback (and offensive team captain) who is in high spirits all the time, and Bates has helped Jay do that in the past two seasons.

McDaniels figures to improve the offense, which means the Broncos would be the No. 1 offense in the NFL next season. Having another brilliant young offensive mind by his side as he does it would make the 2009 Broncos one of the best-coached offenses in NFL history.

Think about it, Josh!