Broncos could have hired Kyle Shanahan in 2017

The Broncos could have hired Kyle Shanahan in 2017 but opted to bring in Vance Joseph instead.

Three years ago, after Gary Kubiak stepped down from coaching for health reasons, the Broncos interviewed coaching candidates including then-Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and then-Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

Though it appeared at one point that Shanahan was the favorite to get the job, Denver’s front office ultimately decided to hire Joseph. In hindsight, that decision certainly looks like a mistake. From 2017-2018, the Broncos went 11-21 before firing Joseph.

Up until this season, Shanahan’s record wasn’t any better — 10-22 — but with the help of general manager John Lynch, Shanahan has turned San Francisco’s roster into a contender. The 49ers went 13-3 in the regular season this year and will play in Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2.

The son of legendary Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle might have been able to find success in Denver as well. Fortunately, it looks like the Broncos have found a good coach in Vic Fangio, who went 7-9 in 2019.

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