Denver Broncos: 5 Candidates Who Could Become Team's Next Coach

The Denver Broncos made the announcement on Monday that they have mutually parted ways with head coach John Fox, as reported by ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold.

After watching the way the team performed down the stretch and against the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs, it really should come as no surprise.

Despite a 46-18 regular-season record in four seasons with the Broncos, Fox's 3-3 record in the postseason did him in.

John Elway, executive vice president of football operations, has made it clear that his team should expect nothing short of a Super Bowl victory. On Monday, the parting of ways with Fox was evidence of that.

That leaves the Broncos as one of six teams with a need for a new head coach.

So who could possibly replace Fox?

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Former #Broncos coach Mike Shanahan will not be the new #Broncos coach. But the team is interested in Dan Quinn (get in line).

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2015"

Obviously, the decision of whether Peyton Manning will return for an 18th NFL season will be a huge factor in the hiring process.

Manning will want to know every intricate detail of the team's plans as well.

So do the Broncos go with a young, untested coach like when they hired Josh McDaniels? Or do they elect to go in the direction of bringing in someone who is familiar with the team and organization?

Whatever the case may be, it will be one of the most interesting offseasons in years for the Broncos, and finding a new head coach will be at the forefront.

Here is a list of five men who may be on the Broncos' radar.

Todd Bowles, Arizona Cardinals Defensive Coordinator

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Todd Bowles is a name that continues to come up in connection with several coaching vacancies around the league. If the Broncos wanted to go with a defensive-minded coach, Bowles would make a great choice.

Bowles is scheduled to meet with both the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets for second interviews, but if the Broncos show interest, he may put both of them off in order to interview with a team that has won four consecutive division titles.

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The #Falcons are also bringing in #AZCardinals DC Todd Bowles for a second interview too, source said. #theplotthickens

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2015"

Bowles helped make the Arizona Cardinals one of the league's best defenses, a big reason why they reached the playoffs despite injuries to their top two quarterbacks.

Bowles specializes in the secondary and used to play safety for both the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. He also coached the secondary with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Bowles is one of the best defensive options available now that Rex Ryan has been hired by the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN.com's Mike Rodak.

Adam Gase, Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Is there any chance the Broncos were so quick to part ways with John Fox out of fear that they may lose offensive coordinator Adam Gase?

Ian Rapoport tweeted out that the San Francisco 49ers are in hot pursuit of Gase for the head-coaching position:

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The #49ers are expected to meet with and make a final push for #Broncos OC Adam Gase tonight, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2015"

Gase has been the offensive coordinator at the controls of one of the league's most potent offenses over the course of the last two seasons. On top of that, Peyton Manning is comfortable with him and would likely welcome the chance to continue that relationship.

Gase's detractors would have plenty of ammunition, including the fact that his offense could only muster 13 points at home against the Indianapolis Colts and what seemed like some very predictable play calls.

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I would pump the brakes on Adam Gase getting this Denver job. Not saying it won't happen, but I believe Elway will look around.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) January 12, 2015"

Still, Gase will likely remain at the top of the list of candidates for the job in Denver, unless the organization is just as disappointed with him as it was with Fox.

Dan Quinn, Seattle Seahawks Defensive Coordinator

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Dan Quinn has been the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks for the past two seasons, inheriting an already strong group when Gus Bradley left to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But Quinn has done an excellent job with that defense, and the Broncos know firsthand just how good it is.

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Quinn helped the Seahawks lead the league in yards allowed, points allowed and takeaways. They were the first team to do that since the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears.

"

Also, one HC candidate the Broncos want to interview is Seahawks DC Dan Quinn (who doesn't?).

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2015"

It would be fairly surprising if Quinn isn't hired by some team this offseason, and if the Broncos want someone with a strong defensive mind, they aren't going to find a better option.

Eric Studesville, Denver Broncos Running Backs Coach

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

There has to be a dark-horse candidate, and current Denver Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville is just that.

Studesville is the guy who was named interim head coach when the Broncos fired Josh McDaniels during the 2010 season. He went 1-3 over that stretch but remains a very well-liked member of the staff.

The Broncos will likely interview him no matter what to satisfy the league's Rooney Rule, but his chances of getting the job are likely better than a lot of people would think.

Studesville has done very well in his job, considering what he's had to work with.

When Montee Ball went down with an injury this season, the Broncos got great production out of both C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman. Anderson, an undrafted rookie when he came into the league, seems to get better with each game.

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I'd be very surprised if Broncos esteemed RB coach Eric Studesville doesn't interview for the Denver opening as well.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 12, 2015"

Studesville deserves a lot of credit for that, and the Broncos will have him on their short list.

Gary Kubiak, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

This is an obvious choice.

Although it was reported by Mike Coppinger of NFL.com that Gary Kubiak would be staying with the Baltimore Ravens as their offensive coordinator, that was before the news of Fox and the Broncos parting ways came out.

That could change things.

Head coach of the Broncos may be the one and only job that would change Kubiak's mind, specifically because of his ties to the team and his relationship with John Elway.

Kubiak spent 20 years with the organization as a player and offensive coordinator. He also won 61 games in eight seasons as head coach of the Houston Texans.

"

John Fox might be out if Denver loses? Gary Kubiak and John Elway go way back. Could bring him home to Denver.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 11, 2015"

Kubiak would likely top the wish lists of the majority of Broncos fans, and you will hear his name come up often in the days leading up to the naming of a new coach.