Broncos an ‘ideal landing spot’ for coaches, but expectations high

As Gary Kubiak stepped down as the Denver Broncos head coach on Monday, he called the position he was giving up “the greatest job in America.”

However, it’s the demands of such a high-quality organization that was one of the factors seemingly led to Kubiak’s departure just two years after being hired as the team’s 15th head coach (and a year after winning a Super Bowl).

Addressing the media Monday, Kubiak said coaching in the NFL is the “greatest challenge in life.” But it was also the stresses of meeting those high expectations that eventually led to Kubiak’s departure.

“We all have a routine. We all have a way that we go about doing things. I’ve had my routine for a long time. I’ve always taken a lot of pride in coaching a football team, being there for the players, being there for the coaches, being there for the organization, doing a game plan and calling some plays on Sunday. I’ve always taken a lot of pride in the fact that I could do all of those things. This year I haven’t been able to do that,” Kubiak said.

“It’s been tough. For the first time, I’ve had to tell myself, ‘Hey, you can’t do that anymore.’”

And with Kubiak leaving, John Elway and company look to hire a coach for the third time since the general manager rejoined the club as an executive in January 2011.

“It’s amazing for as stable and productive as the organization has been, it’s also been through as many head coaches,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter told “The Drive” on Monday.

“I think that people still view Denver as a potential ideal landing spot. And it’s an attractive job. But they’ve had an awful lot of change, more change than you think for a winning organization.”

Schefter pointed to coaches looking for the challenge or demand that comes with being the Broncos’ head coach, but they know they’re “getting a first-rate organization that demands a lot.”

And Elway didn’t shy away from the idea that those expectations exist, which he admitted adds some pressure to his coaches.

“This is a great place to work, but the expectations are high. Those expectations have been set by (owner) Mr. (Pat) Bowlen a long time ago,” Elway said. “Everybody that comes here, whether it’s a coach or a player, understands that the standard is to be able to compete for world championships. Does it add a little bit more? Sure it does. I think if you’re good at what you do, I think you want that challenge.”

President and CEO Joe Ellis championed a similar sentiment Monday after Elway’s press conference.

“I don’t know that we’re looking at age. I don’t think John looks at it that way. He’ll speak to that a little bit more as the days evolve here. You just want the best guys in here that can manage his team and lead his team to the best of his ability and to the expectations that we all have here,” Ellis said.

“You have to understand what we’re all about as an organization. I don’t know if it’s young or old. I don’t think that really matters. If you have the qualities necessary to be the head coach here, you’ll get the job.”

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