Broncos Introduce John Fox as Their New Head Coach

Filed under: Broncos, AFC West

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- On his first full day as Denver Broncos' head coach, John Fox voiced his belief in Tim Tebow's promise but stopped short of saying he would be the team's starting quarterback next season.

Overseeing Tebow's development and making sure he gets the proper coaching to help smooth out the rough spots in his quarterback techniques are among the most visible and pressing issues facing Fox, but they're far from the only ones.

Fox, who spent the previous nine years as Carolina's coach, was introduced on Friday as the Broncos' 14th head coach.

His most pressing task will be to revive the fortunes of a proud team that just suffered through a 4-12 campaign which was the worst season in the Broncos' 51-year history. Also, the losing season extended Denver's playoff drought to five years. Defense is an area of specialty for Fox and he'll need it in rebuilding a Broncos unit that ranked last in total defense and points allowed.

He'll also try to help win back a fan base alienated by the imperious 22-month run by Josh McDaniels. Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen fired McDaniels on Dec. 6 amid the team's worst stretch on the field in 40 years, a series of personnel moves orchestrated by McDaniels that backfired and a videotape scandal that tarnished the organization's reputation.

"We really feel like we have our guy," said vice president of football operations John Elway, who led the coaching search that resulted in the selection of Fox over four other finalists. "I got several texts from his players who talked about how much they liked him and how hard they played for him, which is something we really need here. When you combine that with the energy that he brings into a room and energy that we need in this building and in this community. We could not have found a better fit."

Said Fox: "This is an organization that I've admired from afar. I think you've got a great fan base here. It's a very tough place to play, but I want you know I'm very enthusiastic, very excited to bring back that fan interest. But let's be serious _ this game is only fun when you win."

Owner Pat Bowlen said he believes Fox's long coaching background, experience and leadership style made him well suited for the job.

"I think he can come in here and turn this organization around. I don't have any doubt about that and I'm going to give him all the help that he needs," Bowlen said.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/14/broncos-introduce-john-fox-as-their-new-head-coach/

Washington Redskins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar