Reaction Pours in After Broncos Fire Scangarello, Target Pat Shurmur as new Offensive Coordinator

Less than two weeks removed from the end-of-season press conference in which Vic Fangio revealed that he had no plans to make any changes to his coaching staff, the Denver Broncos shocked the Mile High City by firing offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello on Sunday.

Scangarello had just completed his first year as Broncos' OC after spending the previous two seasons as the Niners' QBs Coach. While Scangarello's offense in Denver was inconsistent and often lackluster, the first-year coordinator wasn't exactly dealt the best hand personnel-wise.

The Broncos initially rolled with Joe Flacco at quarterback, while starting off the season with the prized free-agent Ja'Wuan James at right tackle. James didn't last two full series in the season-opener, while Flacco would lead the Broncos to a 2-6 start before suffering a season-ending neck injury.

With rookie second-rounder Drew Lock still on injured reserve, Scangarello scrambled, having no choice but to roll with Brandon Allen who would go on to start his first NFL game in Week 9 vs. Cleveland. The spark Allen provided the Broncos lasted all of six quarters and after three games, the team had seen enough.

Enter Lock.

Scangarello's offense improved modestly from Week 13 on with the significantly more dynamic Lock under center but outside of Week 14's 38-24 shellacking of the Texans, the Broncos still couldn't sustain a consistent offensive product. Lock flashed that big arm and potential in spades — finishing 4-1 as a starter — but the feeling outside the building was that Scangarello would need more time to acclimate to being an NFL play-caller.

Inside the building, apparently Coach Fangio wasn't willing to wait. Or more specifically, Fangio was willing to wait exactly as long as it would take for more experienced NFL offensive coordinators to be made available on the job market. As soon as Fangio saw the opportunity to upgrade the OC position, he took it. Scangarello was dispatched.

“After a lot of consideration and discussion after the season, I determined that a change at offensive coordinator ultimately would be best for our team,” Fangio said via press release. “We need to do everything we can to get better—in all areas—as we start working toward next year.

“Rich is a bright coach with a great future ahead of him. I appreciate all of his hard work and thank him for his contributions to the Broncos.”

All signs point to former Giants head coach Pat Shurmur becoming the new OC in Denver. And suffice to say, Broncos Country is still reeling from Sunday's roller coaster ride.

Media Reacts

Ultimately, as surprised as I was at the #Broncos dispatching Scangs, if they were going to move on after one year, it would have to be for the right coach. Considering his track record, Pat Shurmur is that guy. Great schemer and excellent track record with young QBs.
— Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) January 13, 2020

The relationship between Fangio and Scangarello was always a bit frosty. Not surprised other than the timing. Huge impact on #Broncos depending on who and what system they replace him with. https://t.co/ypJnPBPAWJ
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 12, 2020

Totally understand. #Broncos fans should be in prove it mode. Fangio wants offense that takes more shots down field, and is aggressive. The key is finding balance between taking care of ball and taking chances. But shurmur will have green light to be aggressive #Denver7 https://t.co/0hoMmnyJxU
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) January 13, 2020

Pat Shurmur would be a really underwhelming hire for the #Broncos. They were finally trending in the right direction with a young, creative mind to pair with their young, gun-slinging quarterback.

I'd rather have a Kellen Moore than a Shurmur. But, hey ...
— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) January 12, 2020

Scangarello's exit could lead to more changes on the offensive staff. Munchak isn't going anywhere though.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 12, 2020

Want to be excited for Shurmur, go watch 2013 Eagles or 2017 Vikings. Watch the aggressiveness.
— Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) January 13, 2020

In an offensive-centric era, the Broncos finished 2019 with 282 points, their fewest in 27 years.

They ranked 28th in points & yards, their lowest ranks in those categories since they joined the NFL in 1970.

That’s the bottom line, and it was dreadful.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 12, 2020

Drew Lock was one of Shurmur's favorites in the draft last year.

Dave Gettleman ultimately seleted Daniel Jones. Now Shurmur will get to coach Lock.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 12, 2020

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Crystal Ball (Tweet from Dec. 4)

If there is some set of musical chairs and the Giants obtain Rivera, I wonder if Denver would make a move on Shurmur IF they move on from Scangarello. Something more of an established play caller and coordinator.

Seems like Scangarello is on the hot seat so worth monitoring https://t.co/eOzdUkXgXl
— Nick Kendell 🏔 (@NickKendellMHH) December 5, 2019

Broncos Fan Reaction a Mixed Bag

Broncos Country is understandably skeptical that the rug got pulled out from under Scangarello after just one year. Considering that Shurmur, if indeed he is the next hire, will be the Broncos' fifth OC in as many years, the fanbase is feeling a little punchdrunk.

What......the....hell......?
— The One (@Troy4Life) January 12, 2020

Because the Giants offense has been so much fun to watch? And he picked Jones over Lock. Other than a couple games Jones doesn’t look good.
— MH (@marcomacaroni69) January 13, 2020

What were your thoughts on Sunday's whirlwind? Sound off in the comment section below.

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