John Fox and the Denver Broncos have agreed to part ways following their loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday.
Reports surfaced this weekend that the Broncos would fire Fox if they lost. Under Fox the team has four straight AFC West championships but have had little success in the post season. There is a good chance the Broncos and Fox are calling this a mutual parting of ways for his benefit.
“I had a productive visit with John Elway this afternoon in which we were both very honest about our time together and how to best move forward,” Fox said in a statement released on Monday. “After this discussion, John and I mutually agreed that the timing was right for this decision.”
Fox wants to keep coaching and may have another job lined up. Two options could be Atlanta and Chicago. There will be some belief that Fox would entertain going to the New York Jets but they lack a quarterback and Fox could find jobs with the Falcons and Bears more fitting where he would be able to work with Matt Ryan or Jay Cutler opposed to Geno Smith.
The Broncos are just starting their search for a head coach. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase is a candidate for head coaching jobs but is not being considered as an option to replace Fox. It is quite possible the Broncos will try to rid themselves of everyone associated with Fox. The status of quarterback Peyton Manning remains to be seen. Manning declined to shed any light on his future in a post game press conference on Sunday.
