Broncos Rumors: Dan Quinn, Nathaniel Hackett, Kevin O'Connell Finalists for HC Job
January 24, 2022
The Denver Broncos have reportedly narrowed their head coaching search to three candidates, per multiple reports: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell.
Denver is seeking to replace Vic Fangio, who was fired this offseason after going just 19-30 across three campaigns.
The Broncos haven't reached the postseason since 2015, when head coach Gary Kubiak and quarterback Peyton Manning led the team to a title.
The team's three finalists for the head coaching position would bring varying degrees of experience to the role.
Quinn, 51, is the only one with head coaching experience, serving as the Atlanta Falcons' head honcho through the 2015-20 seasons. He went 43-42 in that time, reaching the playoffs twice and the Super Bowl once.
He's also served as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks (2013-14) and the Cowboys ('21-present) during his NFL coaching career and for the Florida Gators (2011-12) at the FBS college level.
Hackett, 42, has served as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2013-14), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18) and the Green Bay Packers (2019-present). His partnership with Aaron Rodgers has been fruitful, with the team finishing top-10 in both points and yards in each of the last two years.
That relationship could also help the Broncos land Rodgers should he depart the Packers this offseason.
Mike Klis @mikeklisFirst one in would seem to make Hackett frontrunner to become Broncos next head coach. Makes sense for building consistency w/your QB. Especially if QB becomes Aaron Rodgers. Dan Quinn also scheduled for 2nd interview at Broncos HQ. But if all goes well w/Hackett … <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVjJ0kYRVp">https://t.co/LVjJ0kYRVp</a>
Pro Football Network @PFN365“Hackett’s potential presence in Denver could help them make a convincing recruiting pitch to Rodgers.”<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AaronWilson_NFL</a> discusses who could replace Vic Fangio for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a>.<a href="https://t.co/TCqeowlSTO">https://t.co/TCqeowlSTO</a>
O'Connell, 36, has the least experience of the bunch. Since joining the NFL coaching ranks in 2015, he most notably served as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team (2019) and the Los Angeles Rams (2020-present).
With Matthew Stafford installed at quarterback this season, the Rams finished seventh in points and ninth in yards.