As General Manager George Paton and the Broncos get set to embark on a round of interviews with 10 reported candidates for the team's head-coaching vacancy, Denver is inching closer to naming its next head coach.
Before the decision is made, however, we wanted to get a sense of how members of the Denver media view the competition.
DenverBroncos.com polled a collection of those who regularly cover the team to pose one simple question:
Who will be the Broncos' next head coach?
Benjamin Allbright, KOA NewsRadio: Dan Quinn, Cowboys' defensive coordinator
"I predict it will be Dan Quinn. Quinn is the only HC being interviewed with actual experience on his resume as a HC. Quinn's defenses as a DC have consistently been at or near the top of the league. When he was a HC he never had an offense finish outside the top 8 despite turnover at OC."
Romi Bean, CBS Denver: Nathaniel Hackett, Packers' offensive coordinator
"Hackett is ready to take the leap to head coach. He has play-calling experience and did wonders in Jacksonville, getting them to the AFC Championship in 2017 with Blake Bortles at quarterback. Now, he's a key piece of the high-powered Packers offense. While George Paton said he is more concerned with leadership qualities than what side of the ball the coach comes from, Hackett seems to be the best of both worlds - an energetic and creative leader with the offensive prowess to fix a Broncos offense in need of serious TLC."
Taylor Brooks, FOX31: Dan Quinn
"George Paton said the number one thing he is looking for in this head coaching position is leadership. What better leader than Dan Quinn? A guy that Paton already has rapport with. A guy that has so much respect from players. If Dan Quinn gets the job, there's no doubt he will also bring an impressive offensive coordinator here too who can help with the offensive woes and get this team back to the playoffs."
Mike Klis, 9NEWS: Dan Quinn
"I think it will be Dan Quinn, but I believe it should be Kellen Moore. Ultimately, I think Paton will go with the candidate he knows can work well with and has head-coaching experience. Me? The Broncos should go for the home run and try to find the next Sean McVay, which I think is Kellen Moore. The coordinator behind the No. 1 scoring offense is there to be had."
Nick Kosmider, The Athletic: Nathaniel Hackett
"George Paton said the Broncos are looking for a coach who will 'lead the entire operation,' but we'd be naive to think putting someone into place who can jump-start the team's offense — and the quarterback play in particular — isn't at the top of the priority list. Hackett appears to be a candidate who would fill Paton's stated No. 1 priority: leadership. He's drawn rave reviews at each of his NFL stops for the way he connects with an energizes players, both on the practice field and in meetings. Taking that in front of the entire team on a daily basis as the head coach would be a natural transition. Then there is his work with quarterbacks. Hackett called plays for the Jaguars when they reached the AFC Championship game after the 2017 season, helping Blake Bortles to the only winning season of his career in Jacksonville. During the 42-year-old's three years as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers has put up some of the best numbers of his career, throwing for 111 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions during that stretch. Hackett's resume — he also called plays as the offensive coordinator for the Bills and has been in the NFL since 2006 — says he's ready for a chance to be a head coach, and the fit in Denver appears strong."
Brandon Krisztal, KOA NewsRadio: Dan Quinn
"The job feels like it's his to lose, if he wants it. The Cowboys' defensive coordinator, obviously, has other suitors. 'DQ' is a positive, high-energy coach, whose players loved him so much in Atlanta, they basically lobbied for him to stick around a year longer than maybe Falcons ownership wanted. Also, his relationship with Paton certainly won't hurt. If Quinn takes a job elsewhere, I think Nathaniel Hackett would be a great fit in Denver."
Andrew Mason, DNVR: Dan Quinn
"George Paton said Jan. 9 that he wants someone to 'lead the entire operation,' not just one side of the ball. Quinn is the perfect fit, with his defensive background, inspirational leadership qualities and proven ability to identify the right coaches for offense, evidenced by the fact that Atlanta was in the top eight in total offense in each of his full seasons there as head coach — under three different coordinators."
Darren McKee, 104.3 The Fan: Dan Quinn
"I think Dan Quinn will be the next head coach. While there will be many interesting candidates, it's clear that LEADERSHIP was emphasized. Quinn brings the most experience in that department to the table. Hackett and [Eric] Bienemy would be my next two picks. The separator would be the specific head coaching experience. In addition, Quinn will have choices, so the Broncos have to somewhat recruit him, which reduces the time frame in which to make the decision. The good news is the Broncos ARE the best location for ANY coach. So the Broncos are the best job and get their guy."
Ryan O'Halloran, Denver Post: Nathaniel Hackett
"Hackett is my choice because he has play-calling chops (Buffalo/Jacksonville), winning experience (Jacksonville/Green Bay) and would bring new ideas and a new energy to a Broncos team in need of both."
Troy Renck, Denver7: Dan Quinn
"Plenty of young, dynamic personalities. So no guarantee that [Brian] Callahan, Hackett and [Kevin] O'Connell don't win the interview, but Quinn's head coaching experience, successful offenses as a head coach and caffeinated energy give him the slight edge for me."
Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press: Kellen Moore, Cowboys' offensive coordinator
"George Paton will be tempted to hire old pal Dan Quinn, but he really should look to the other side of the ball in Dallas and grab Kellen Moore before someone else does. Enough with the 1970s, uncreative, snooze-fest offenses in Denver! Here's betting Paton goes and grabs the newest young offensive master who's all the rage in the NFL and returns excitement to a team that's been in sleep mode since Peyton Manning retired."
George Stoia, Denver Gazette: Nathaniel Hackett
"I think Hackett checks a lot of boxes for the Broncos. He's relatively young, well-liked by players and has had success in this league, beyond what he's done with with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay."
FINAL RESULTS:
Dan Quinn: 7
Nathaniel Hackett: 4
Kellen Moore: 1
