The NFL’s latest coaching carousel buzz brings mixed news for the Denver Broncos.
First, the good news: Ben Johnson opted to join the Chicago Bears instead of one of Denver’s division rivals.
The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is set to become Chicago’s new head coach, but he apparently “strongly considered” taking the HC job with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini.
The Broncos are seemingly fortunate that one of the hottest coaching candidates of this hiring cycle did not end up in the AFC West.
Now, the not-so-good news: Johnson is eyeing a coach that has been linked to Denver. The Bears are “heavily pursuing” ex-New Orleans Saints interim head coach/special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for their open ST coach position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Rizzi, of course, coached under Sean Payton with the Saints, and he is a presumed candidate to replace Ben Kotwica, who was fired by the Broncos last week. If Rizzi ends up taking a job under Johnson in Chicago, Denver will have to look elsewhere for a new special teams coordinator.
Meanwhile, Saints running back Alvin Kamara has endorsed Rizzi for the full-time HC job in New Orleans. He seems to be an in-demand coach.
