Stokley: ‘Two-horse race’ for Broncos HC job between Pagano, Munchak

Jan 4, 2019, 6:21 PM Updated: Jan 6, 2019, 9:48 pm

Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts looks on before a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sept. 7, 2014 in Denver. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

While the Denver Broncos have five interviews on the books for its head coach opening, “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley said on Friday that it’s really come down to just two candidates: former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak.

The Broncos have also met or will also meet with Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and New England Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores, though Stokley said the trio likely trail Pagano and Munchak.

“I think it’s absolutely a two-horse race. I don’t think Zac Taylor, Brian Flores, or Vic Fangio have a legit shot,” Stokley said.

When it comes down to the two choices, Stokley said he’s leaning toward Pagano as the Broncos pick.

“I think he’s a really good football coach. He has experience,” Stokley said. “Guy love playing for him, and you could see that when he was there in Indy.”

However, Stokley said he’d be “OK” with Munchak as well, saying, “I could be excited about Mike Munchak coming in here and fixing this offensive line, coming in here and hiring a sound offensive coordinator and getting this offense fixed.”

Stokley had been leaning toward Taylor earlier in the week, looking for the Broncos to hire a “young innovator,” but thought better of the idea because of his lack of experience.

“We just can’t take that chance. We just don’t have the luxury of saying let’s go with this young and up-and-coming coach and him not ever doing that job before,” Stokley said.

The same goes for Fangio, Stokley said, who despite having nearly four decades of coaching under his belt has never been a head coach, in the NFL or elsewhere.

“We need a guy who’s been there and done that,” Stokley said.

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