Assistant Coaches The Key to Denver's 2009 Success

From 2008 to 2009 the Broncos have experienced a reversal in performances on both sides of the ball. Last year, while being mediocre in the scoring department, Denver's offense moved the ball at will behind a premier passing attack. Only a dozen or so sacks were given up. The defense rivaled that of the Detroit Lions. In 2010, while the offense doesn't rival that of the Detroit Lions, they're pretty average. The defense is the reason the Broncos are in the position to make the playoffs.

The remarkable turnaround on defense has to be accredited to the re-hiring of Mike Nolan. It is even more remarkable that a piece-meal assembly of players from teams accross the league in a new scheme has produced the results they have. Additionally, this 3-4 defense is running successfully without the likes of a big-name nose tackle. Very impressive.

Now the offense. McDaniels is one of the 'geniuses' that was behind the offensive juggernot in New England. He has all of the weapons he needs in Denver to put up points, quickly. However, even at the beginning of the season when injuries on the offensive line were not a problem, this offense has sputtered. The playcalling has been predictable. Weapons like Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler are way underutilized. It might be too early to tell, but it seems like McDaniels needs some help with schemes and playcalling.

Opportunity might be knocking. The Texans, while not a bad team during Kubiak's tenure, have not had that break-out season that will define a successful head coach. Granted, they play in an absolutely brutal division, but they've let the Colts off the hook plenty. The Texans are loaded with talent, but haven't been able to squeeze the most out of it. There is speculation that Kubiak might be let go after the season. If he's let go, Denver's front office should be on the phone with him that day.

As the offensive coordinator in Denver, Kubiak oversaw an offense that was virtually unstoppable in the late 90's. And from 2000-2006, Denver's offense was always the strength of the team. When the Broncos went 13-3 in the 2006 regular season, Kubiak made great use of a group of guys who really had no business being on a winning football team. Tatum Bell? Ashlie Lelie? Those guys are your starters? How was it possible that Denver scored more points than their opponents? Because Gary Kubiak was the offensive coordinator.

Roll forward to 2010. Marshall, Royal, Moreno, Scheffler. That's a potent group of 'skill' players. Add a healty offensive line (and the replacement of Ben Hamilton), and the sky is the limit with the right offensive coordinator.

I'm not one to wish that anyone loses their jobs. But if Kubiak is available, he should be back in Denver holding a clip board in his hands.