3 Early Frontrunners Emerge in Broncos' Head-Coaching Search

The Denver Broncos will conduct a head-coaching search for the second straight offseason after firing first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Given this team's championship aspirations, it'd be no surprise to see Denver choose someone with experience this time around over a rookie HC like Hackett was.

It turns out that's exactly what the Broncos are hoping to do.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero shared some insight on Denver's preparation for head-coaching interviews. The insiders say Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh and Dan Quinn are "among the top targets" for this hopeful contender.

It certainly sounds like the front office will leave no stone unturned as it searches for its next head coach. Swaying any three of those candidates could be difficult for their own unique reasons, but this is exactly the "swing big" mentality this team needs.

Payton is making headlines again as he openly contemplates a return to the sidelines in 2023. The New Orleans Saints would need to agree to a trade in order for him to land somewhere else, though. Denver is currently lacking in premium draft capital following the Russell Wilson trade, which is a major hurdle to clear.

Harbaugh, meanwhile, has said all the right things to keep Michigan football fans happy. However, NFL teams will come calling once again this offseason despite his lengthy contract with his alma mater. Following another loss in a big bowl game, perhaps Harbaugh could be more open to a second stint in the pros.

Quinn has boosted his reputation around the league with his complete turnaround of the Dallas Cowboys' previously lackluster defense. Though his tenure in Atlanta ended poorly, he also enjoyed a run to the Super Bowl during his time with the Falcons. He'd be the exact kind of coach that can maximize Denver's defensive talent.

Once Week 18 concludes, there should be plenty more buzz as most of the league officially begins its offseason. The Broncos' opening is sure to generate plenty of speculation in the coming weeks.

Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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