Clayton: Broncos list of head coach candidates is an impressive one

General manager George Paton wasted no time putting together a good list of job candidates to replace Vic Fangio. He has lined up nine potential head coaches and might add more.

The one theme you can see is that he’s looking for leadership. Fangio was a good leader, but he proved to be more coordinator than head coach. That’s why you see Paton lining up a candidates with varying experience.

Sure, he has some of the bright young offensive coaches. But he wants someone to lead the franchise and get it back to the playoffs, something that hasn’t happened in six seasons.

Dan Quinn might be considered the leading candidate. One thing Paton is not afraid to look at defensive coach. Quinn is a defensive coach.

He has lined New England linebacker coach Jerod Mayo, Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

On offense, the Broncos have Dallas offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Green Bay quarterback coach Luke Getsy, Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.

That’s a good list and it might grow. They may look at Doug Pederson. He’s a good coach and great offensive mind.

The next two weeks should be interesting. The Broncos have a lot of good candidates on their wish list.