Is Kevin O’Connell the frontrunner to be the Broncos head coach?

George Paton hasn't closed the deal this week with Nathaniel Hackett or Dan Quinn, perhaps providing a sign as to who else might be his choice

BY JAMES MERILATT

Jan 26, 2022, 4:25 PM

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When the Broncos fired Vic Fangio, Dan Quinn was projected to be the favorite to replace him as Denver’s head coach. When George Paton’s list of 10 candidates for the job was revealed, the Cowboys defensive coordinator once again was the favorite to secure the gig. And when the group was reduced to three finalists over the weekend, the former Falcons head coach was still considered the favorite.

For the first time in the process, that seems to be changing. As the week goes on, it seems as though the tide is shifting in another direction.

The three finalists for the job are Quinn, Nathaniel Hackett and Kevin O’Connell. That was revealed on Monday. What’s happened since then is telling.

First, Hackett visited the Broncos that day for a second interview. It lasted nine hours. And it was capped off with dinner with Paton.

Per source, George Paton, top deputy Darren Mougey – viewed as rising star in NFL personnel circles – finished Hackett meetings last night w/dinner at Los Dos Potrillos. Tamales for Hackett. One margarita each after long day of interviews. Hackett then flew back to GB. #9sports https://t.co/qxvLpfhJs3

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) January 26, 2022

No offer was made, however. Hackett departed without the job. That could be telling.

If the Packers offensive coordinator was the Broncos top choice, the prudent thing to do would’ve been to close the deal. That didn’t happen.

Clearly, he’s still in the mix. But it’s fairly evident that Hackett isn’t the No. 1 contender.

As for Quinn, he’s been busy visiting with other teams this week. He interviewed with the Giants on Monday and had a second interview with the Bears today. In Chicago, Quinn is also a finalist for the job.

By all accounts, it seems like Dan Quinn has become the front-runner for the #Bears HC job.

I'd prefer an offensive-minded coach, but Quinn is a great leader with success in high-profile gigs. His offensive staff would sell me one way or the other on the hire.

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 26, 2022

In other words, Quinn is further along with the Bears than he is the Broncos. He’s already had a second interview with Chicago.

That could simply be a matter of scheduling. Or it could be a sign that he’s a higher priority in the Windy City than he is in Denver.

Why would that be the case? Because the Broncos really have their sights on O’Connell.

The Rams offensive coordinator isn’t available the week for a second interview because his team is preparing for the NFC Championship Game. The fact that the Broncos aren’t rushing things, and apparently will wait until O’Connell can do a second interview before making a decision, is telling. It shows that he’s high on their list.

In fact, it probably means he’s atop it. If he wasn’t, why wait?

If Hackett was the Broncos top choice, they’d have offered him the job on Monday. If Quinn was their guy, they’d be scheduling a second interview and trying to close the deal. Paton and Company haven’t done either of those things.

It’s reading the tea leaves, but it’s also common sense. The logical interpretation of those developments is that O’Connell is atop their wish list.

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