John Fox: 5 Ways He Can Improve the Denver Broncos Quickly
The Denver Broncos announced the hiring of John Fox as their new head coach today, January 13th, 2011.
Most recently of the Carolina Panthers, John Fox is a very well experienced coach that brings a lot to the table. His most recent season in Carolina brought a lot of frustration, as the Panthers managed only two wins during the season, a league worst. This, however, should not discourage Denver fans, Fox knows how to get things done.
The Bronco's have struggled to find a real winning way since the retirement of John Elway, and have only won one playoff game since his retirement. John Fox is a perfect choice to help bring the Broncos back to those winning ways, and here are five things that he can do that will help the team out immediately.
Repairing The Bronco's Tarnished Image
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While researching this article, one of the most common words found when describing Fox was resilient. This is exactly the image that the Broncos want to project to the NFL. The Broncos were described as many things this year, resilient was not one of them.
They would start off games fast, get a lead, and then let it get away from them. The only games where they showed any resiliency came long after they were out of the playoffs, McDaniels had already been fired, and Tim Tebow was the starter. Before that, the Broncos were a team that would roll over and die.
Also, the Spygate II fiasco put a black mark on the Broncos. Not only were the Broncos unable to win games, now it appeared as if McDaniels was up to some of the old Patriot tricks in gaining an unfair advantage. That is something that the Denver Bronco organization had never, EVER, been involved in in the past, and certainly hurt McDaniels' credibility as the head coach.
John Fox is not that kind of a coach.
Repairing Fan Relations
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This is possibly the most important thing the Broncos have been doing since the hire of John Elway. Not only did they bring the hiring process to the fans, but they have given the fans a coach who is incredibly well respected throughout the NFL.
After the fan and player alienation that was a staple under Josh McDaniels, the openness and frankness of John Fox will be a great relief to a group of fans that are so used to being well informed of the goings on with their team. Fox gets it, and wants to include the fans, whereas it seemed Josh McDaniels preferred the "if you don't understand why I do what I do, that just means you're not as smart as me" path.
The Denver Bronco fans will embrace John Fox.
Control
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Not as far as personnel is concerned. It is already well known that John Elway is now the boss when it comes to making personnel decisions for the Denver Broncos.
No, this has more to do with self-control, control of the players, over the staff, etc... It had been quite well documented that Josh McDaniels was very animated on the sideline. Many people would argue that he was too animated. Shouting and fist pumping after touchdowns early in the game that mean little, or nothing, in the end.
Not to say that Fox is as stoic as Bill "The Statue" Bellichick by any stretch of the imagination. Fox can regularly be seen clapping, and getting fiery with officials and players when things need to be said, but he knows the level of appropriateness for this, and maintains his professional demeanor.
As far as controlling players, there are no arguing with this guy's accolades and accomplishments. He has coached for some amazing coaches, and has proven that he is an effective leader of men. When John Fox speaks in the locker room, you listen. If you are able to keep a guy like Steve Smith in line, for the most part, that says a lot. Something that definitely didn't seem to be sticking under former coach, Josh McDaniels.
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Defense
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John Fox knows his defense. That cannot be doubted. In his nine years with the Carolina Panthers, his team's defense ranked in the top 10 in the league for yards against per game five times. Their best showing actually came in his first year as head coach, when they were 2nd in the NFL in yards against per game. This came one year after the Panthers gave up the most yards per game of any team in the NFL. Coincidentally enough, that is exactly where we find the Bronco's defense after this season.
His team's defense ranked in the top 10 in the league for points given up per game five times as well.
Whether or not Denver will move back to the 4-3 look on defense, or stick with the 3-4, is still up for debate. Fox said that he is open to both, though he is most familiar with the 4-3. At any rate, The Broncos need the most help on defense, and Fox is capable of making an immediate impact.
He's Been There, and Done That
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The most important thing that can help the Denver Bronco nation right now is the knowledge that they are in good hands. John Fox took over the Carolina Panthers after they went 1-15. The next season their defense was second in the league in yards against, and went 7-9. The following year, they went 11-5, won their division, and went to the Super Bowl where they were beaten on a last-second field goal.
His overall record with the Panthers was 73-71, but if you take away this last season, which was an anomaly as far as the rest of his seasons are considered, then he's 71-57.
When Josh McDaniels took over, nobody knew what to expect. With John Fox, you know that better times are ahead. He's got the pedigree, he has turned a team around before. He has led them to the promised land, and he can do it again with the Broncos.
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