Should the Broncos kick tires on Harbaugh, others not on short list?

The Denver Broncos have seemingly narrowed the search for its next head coach down to five candidates, who’ll have interviews this week and next.

But given the importance of this hire and that another handful of names could become available following the NFL’s wild card weekend, including Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh via trade, “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard asked on Friday why the Broncos would want to limit the short list to just five coaches.

“What happens if the Chargers beat Baltimore and Baltimore is out of the playoffs? You’re going to tell me they’re going to settle on the five and not even make a run at John Harbaugh?” Pritchard said. “I mean, he’s out of the playoffs …”

“I know it’s going to take compensation and all of that to get Harbaugh. But to not even kick the tires on that situation if, in fact, he falters in the playoffs against the Chargers?”

Even if trading a high draft pick for Harbaugh, which the Broncos were one of two teams reportedly considering the idea, isn’t your cup of tea, Pritchard pointed out that other potential candidates, like Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, could be available to interview.

“There are potentially other names that could become available after the first round of the playoffs that could stir the pot a little bit,” Pritchard said.

The Broncos plan to interview New England Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio over the weekend and into next week and have already met with Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak.

Munchak would be the direction that “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth said he’d go in on Thursday, though he too could stand for a more exhaustive search.

“I’m just saying let’s not being a hurry to get where we’re eventually going to be. Eventually, we’re going to have a head coach,” Schlereth said. “Let’s not just rush into it. Let’s make sure that the exhaustive search is exhaustive.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.