Denver Broncos Deny Raiders' Interview Request For Richard Smith, According To Report

The Denver Broncos let former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen leave for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position and that was apparently enough coaches for the team to let leave from within the division. The Broncos denied the Raiders' request to allow linebackers coach Richard Smith to interview for Oakland's defensive coordinator position, reports ESPN.com.

Smith had been the top in-house candidate for the Broncos' vacant defensive coordinator position once Allen left for the Raiders. However, that job went to Jack Del Rio, a former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and a defensive coordinator under John Fox in Carolina during the 2002 season.

Smith is still the linebackers coach for the Broncos, but, as a former defensive coordinator himself, will likely be a candidate for other coordinator positions next year.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Jack Del Rio Hired As Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator, According To Report

The Denver Broncos didn't wait long to hire a new defensive coordinator following Dennis Allen leaving for the Oakland Raiders. Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has been hired, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Denver hired Jack Del Rio as its defensive coordinator.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2012

Del Rio's name emerged almost immediately once it appeared Allen was going to bolt for the Raiders. Del Rio was considered one of the top candidates along with linebackers coach Richard Smith. Del Rio was previously a defensive coordinator for John Fox with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. After one year on the job, Del Rio then became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Broncos have now had seven different defensive coordinators in seven seasons.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Broncos Defensive Coordinator Search: LB Coach Richard Smith Top In-House Candidate

John Elway went on the radio Friday and said that the Denver Broncos will consider promoting current linebackers coach Richard Smith to defensive coordinator.

Related: Reading Between the Lines: Smith May Be Frontrunner in DC Search

Elway cited Smith's familiarity with the organization as one plus:

"He knows everyone, so that's one of the positives of hiring him, but we have to look at the big picture on every (candidate)," John Elway told KDSP radio Friday

Smith has NFL coaching experience that dates back to the late 1980s, and he has served as a defensive coordinator before: he Miami's DC in 2005 and Houston's DC from 2006 to 2008. He also has been working with John Fox since 2009.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Oakland Raiders Officially Announce Dennis Allen Hiring

The Oakland Raiders have officially announced the hiring of Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. According to the team's official Twitter, the new coach of the black and silver will have an introductory press conference on Monday:

The Oakland Raiders will introduce Head Coach Dennis Allen on Monday, January 30, 2012 at noon.

— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) January 27, 2012

Coach Allen spent one season as the Broncos' defensive coordinator after serving five seasons as the assistant defensive line coach and later the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints. The Broncos defense was 15th best in the league in touchdowns allowed and 22nd in yards allowed in 2011.

Allen follows the previous coach Hue Jackson, who was relieved of his duties after Al Davis's death prompted the Davis family to hire a general manager -- Reggie McKenzie from the Green Bay Packers.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Jack Del Rio Could Be Defensive Cordinator Candidate For Denver

According to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, ex-Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio may be a potential candidate to fill the Denver Broncos' open defensive coordinator position. The Broncos will be hiring their fifth defensive coordinator in as many seasons after Dennis Allen was named as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

Del Rio has a history with Broncos head coach John Fox, having been the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers under Fox in 2002 before he was hired to be the head coach in Jacksonville. Prior to that, Del Rio spent three years coaching linebackers for the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos have yet to accelerate their search for a defensive coordinator, but Del Rio, who is expected to be a hot commodity around the NFL this offseason, is a strong candidate.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Oakland Raiders Hire Broncos' Dennis Allen, According To Report

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders have settled on their man, and it's Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Now official: Oakland Raiders are hiring former Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach. Deal done.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2012

In Allen's lone season as defensive coordinator in Denver, the Broncos finished 20th in total defense and 24th in scoring defense. Prior to coaching in Denver, he'd spent several years as a defensive assistant with New Orleans.

Related: Report: Broncos Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen to be Oakland Raiders Head Coach

Allen isn't the only Broncos coordinator who became a serious head coaching candidate in January; offensive coordinator Mike McCoy had a couple of interviews with Miami, but ended up missing out on that job.

Denver's next defensive coordinator will be its seventh DC in seven seasons.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Oakland Raiders Coaching Rumors: Reggie McKenzie Has Decided Nothing On Dennis Allen Yet

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has not settled on anyone yet for the vacant head coaching position, refuting earlier reports that he was already negotiating a contract with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. According to Paul Gutierrez of CSN Bay Area:

"I will meet with Dennis Allen tonight," McKenzie said during the South team's Senior Bowl workout at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. "And after tonight, depending on our conversation …that's when."

Gutierrez goes on to say that after this interview that McKenzie will determine whether or not to offer the position to Allen. McKenzie isn't ruling out that this could happen on Tuesday night, but then McKenzie might just be keeping a poker face up for this and has already decided on Allen. We'll see how this all turns out in several hours or maybe days.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Jack Del Rio, Richard Smith Potential Replacements Should Dennis Allen Leave Broncos For Raiders

Should Dennis Allen be hired by the Oakland Raiders for its vacant head coaching position, the Denver Broncos will be looking for its seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. For a defense that finally turned corners in 2011 after years of disappointment, another change could prove to be costly. But if Jack Del Rio is brought in that could very well be a positive. Over at 850 KOA, Dave Krieger believes Del Rio, former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, could be a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position.

Del Rio was Fox's defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2002 before taking over the Jaguars. It would provide some measure of continuing the John Fox way. But so would Richard Smith, another candidate Krieger suggests is possible for the Broncos. Smith has coached linebackers for the previous three years under Fox and has been a defensive coordinator in the past.

But first, Allen needs to head over to Oakland. We saw Mike McCoy's dalliance with the Miami Dolphins fall apart over hiring staff positions, so nothing is done yet with Allen.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Oakland Raiders Coaching Rumors: Dennis Allen, Winston Moss And 'Mystery Candidate' Are Finalists For Job, According To Report

While Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is supposedly the leading candidate to get the Oakland Raiders' vacant head coaching position, he isn't the only one left in general manager Reggie McKenzie's search. Allen, Winston Moss and a "mystery candidate" are the three finalist, according to CSN Bay Area's Paul Gutierrez.

Allen could wind up with the Raiders just one year after moving from coaching defensive backs in New Orleans to running the defense for the Denver Broncos and John Fox. But the Raiders do have contingency plans in any of their candidates are ruled out in one form or another.

If Allen leaves, the Broncos will now have seven different defensive coordinators in seven seasons. One of these days there will be stability at that coaching position.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Denver Broncos be sure to visit Mile High Report. Visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Oakland Raiders Coaching Search: Broncos' Dennis Allen 'Leading Candidate,' According To Report

Oakland Raiders Head Coaching Candidates: Broncos' DC Dennis Allen Will Receive 2nd Interview, According To Report

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will interview for a second time with the Oakland Raiders after meeting with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. Allen will meet with the Raiders during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Ala., this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Allen is among a group of candidates that includes Marty Mornhinweg, Mike Tice and Winston Moss. Moss has been repeatedly been mentioned as the leading candidate since he is a Green Bay Packers coach, and McKenzie came from Green Bay before taking the Raiders' job.

Allen and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy had been scheduled for interviews in Denver last week with McKenzie, but only Allen interviewed. McCoy canceled his interview with McKenzie when he was invited for a second meeting with the Miami Dolphins. McCoy eventually overplayed his hand and didn't get the job, possibly because he didn't want to guarantee Todd Bowles the defensive coordinator position.

For more on this, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes.

Miami Dolphins Coaching Search: Mike McCoy Believes He Lost Position Because He Wouldn't Keep Todd Bowles, According To Report

Unless the Oakland Raiders decided to give Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy another chance at an interview, he will need to wait another year to get a head coaching job. McCoy lost out on the Miami Dolphins job on Friday to Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. But McCoy had been the front runner all week. What changed?

According to the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, McCoy believes that he lost out on the job because he wouldn't promise the defensive coordinator position to interim head coach Todd Bowles. Dolphins management wanted McCoy to bring in Bowles, who has only been a defensive backs coach in the league before the late season promotion. McCoy was willing to interview Bowles, but he wasn't going to hire him just because the team wanted him to.

Was this the reason McCoy wasn't hired? We don't know, but as Salguero writes:

But if Todd Bowles becomes the Dolphins next defensive coordinator under Joe Philbin, you'll know this was indeed a tipping poing in the McCoy interview. You'll know that perhaps the reason the team picked Philbin over McCoy was Philbin's willingness to meet Miami's desires to hire Bowles where McCoy wanted to hire his own people.

And why shouldn't McCoy want to hire his own guy? Interference from management could negatively impact the team.

For more on this, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes.

Dolphins Coaching Search: Joe Philbin, Not Mike McCoy, To Become Next Miami Head Coach, According To Report

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins have decided not to make Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy the franchise's next head coach.

Filed to ESPN: Miami plans to hire Joe Philbin as its head coach.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2012

The decision came down to McCoy -- considered by some to be the frontrunner earlier in the week -- or Philbin, but it appears the Dolphins could not pass up the opportunity to bring in the man who has coordinated a very potent offense in Green Bay.

Related: Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy To Stay With Broncos

McCoy drew a lot of interest from around the league after helping turn around Denver's season by adjusting the team's offense to Tim Tebow's skill set, and if the Broncos are able to build on 2011 and put together another successful season in 2012, McCoy could see more opportunities come his way.

For more on this, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes.

Miami Dolphins Coaching Candidates: Mike McCoy Favorite For Job, According To Report

With Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross close to making a decision between Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, the former appears to be the favorite, according to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora. McCoy had a second meeting with the Dolphins on Thursday and, according to La Canfora's sources, "McCoy was very impressive during the eight-hour meeting."

While McCoy and Philbin are the two main finalists, interim head coach Todd Bowles remains in the picture as a fallback if Ross is unable to make a final decision between McCoy and Philbin. That seems par for the course with the Dolphins. Instead of making a tough decision, a third route of least resistance is found. Would passing on either McCoy or Philbin be like passing on Drew Brees years ago because of his major surgery?

For more on this, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes.

Miami Dolphins Coaching Search: Decision Expected On Friday; Broncos' Mike McCoy A Finalist

The Miami Dolphins are expected to make a decision regarding their head coach opening on Friday, and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Mike McCoy is one of the finalists for the job. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, McCoy spent several hours meeting with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland on Thursday.

Earlier in the week, the Dolphins interviewed Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and Miami interim head coach Todd Bowles. But Denver's McCoy may be the front-runner for the gig, as NFL Insiders told Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel.

McCoy had a interview scheduled with the Oakland Raiders for their head coaching opening earlier this week, but he cancelled it as negotiations with the Dolphins progressed. Jackson noted in his article that McCoy has the support of Ireland, whose opinion is greatly respected by Ross.

For more on this, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes.

Colorado Buffaloes' Rip Scherer Could Leave School For Denver Broncos, According To Report

Colorado Buffaloes assistant head coach Rip Scherer could join the Denver Broncos' coaching staff if Mike McCoy leaves for the Miami Dolphins.

Oakland Raiders Coaching Search Will No Longer Include Broncos' Mike McCoy

It appears as though it is the Miami Dolphins or bust for Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. He is flying to New York for a second interview with the team, visiting owner Stephen Ross on Thursday. As a result, McCoy has canceled his planned interview on Wednesday with Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, according to the Denver Post.

McKenzie flew into the Mile High City on Wednesday to interview McCoy and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, but only the latter is still in contention for the job.

McCoy is a finalist for the Miami job along with interim head coach Todd Bowles and Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. McCoy had his first interview with the Dolphins on Monday and had been a person of interest to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

Miami Dolphins Coaching Candidates: Broncos' Mike McCoy To Interview 2nd Time With Dolphins, According To Report

The Denver Broncos' Mike McCoy might be turning into the front runner for the Miami Dolphins' vacant head coaching position if recent events are any indication. He will fly to New York for a Thursday visit with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, interviewing for the second time with the team, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

McCoy had interviewed on Monday for the position after at one point being a name of interest to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the Jaguars went with Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

Todd Bowles is apparently the other finalist for the position, according to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora. Bowles was the interim head coach after Tony Sparano was let go during the season. It seems likely that a decision could be reached in a couple of days. Adam Schefter reports that Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is also getting a second interview.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

Oakland Raiders Coaching Candidate Rumors: Reggie McKenzie Will Interview Broncos' Dennis Allen, Mike McCoy In Denver

On Monday, it was reported that the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy would be the candidates for the Oakland Raiders' vacant head coaching position. John Fox later confirmed that during his end-of-the-season media presser. It now appears that the coordinators won't need to travel for their interviews:

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie currently scheduled to come to Denver wednesday to interview Broncs coords Mike McCoy and Dennis Allen

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 17, 2012

Allen and McCoy have both been connected to other head coaching positions this season. Mike McCoy reportedly interviewed for the Miami Dolphins' vacant position on Monday and had been connected with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Allen had been targeted by the St. Louis Rams, but that team went with Jeff Fisher, who had spurned the Dolphins.

McKenzie was hired in early January as the Raiders' general manager, the first the team had since Al Davis took over the duties decades ago. McKenzie came over the Green Bay Packers where he was the director of football operations. While many expect Winston Moss, a Green Bay Packers assistant coach, to be the frontrunner for the position, he has not yet been contacted about the position yet.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

Oakland Raiders Head Coaching Search Includes Denver Broncos Dennis Allen, Mike McCoy

Now that the Denver Broncos 2011 season is over, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy won't need to deal with the NFL's playoff rules about coaches interviewing for other positions. On Monday, the Oakland Raiders asked for and received permission from the Broncos to interview Allen and McCoy for the vacant head coaching position:

Raiders received permission today to interview both Broncos coordinators, DC Dennis Allen and OC Mike McCoy, for their HC vacancy.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2012

McCoy survived the regime change in Denver last offseason with the arrival of John Fox. He then turned the offense around midseason to work for Tim Tebow rather than against him. Allen arrived in Denver from the New Orleans Saints shortly after John Fox was hired. He did interview for the St. Louis Rams job, but that went to Jeff Fisher over the weekend.

The Raiders fired Hue Jackson last week shortly after Reggie McKenzie was announced as the new general manager of the team.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

Denver Broncos Coaching Candidates: OC Mike McCoy To Interview With Miami Dolphins, According To Report

With the Denver Broncos eliminated from the NFL Playoffs, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is now available to be interviewed by teams who are interested in him potentially filling an open head coaching vacancy. The first team on McCoy's calendar is reportedly the Miami Dolphins, who will interview McCoy on Monday, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

2012 NFL Coaching Candidates: St. Louis Rams Interested In Denver Broncos DC Dennis Allen, According To Report

Denver's coordinators have been hot names in the coaching carousel so far; offensive coordinator Mike McCoy has an interview with Jacksonville for that team's head coaching job, and he was also rumored to have drawn interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, who have an offensive coordinator position to fill.

And now, according to the Post's Mike Klis, the St. Louis Rams have asked for permission to talk to Denver DC Dennis Allen:

According to a league source, the St. Louis Rams formally asked the Broncos' permission today to interview Dennis Allen, Denver's first-year defensive coordinator.

The interview is expected to take place on Thursday afteroon.

But there is a report suggesting that the Rams are close to hiring Jeff Fisher, in which case the Broncos would not have anything to worry about. (For now.)

With the Broncos still in the playoffs, neither Allen nor McCoy can interview until Thursday afternoon at the earliest.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

2012 NFL Coaching Candidates: Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy Puts Jags Interview On Hold

2012 NFL Coaching Candidates: Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy Will Interview For Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coaching Job

The Jacksonville Jaguars asked for and received permission to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for the team's head coaching vacancy. But McCoy has a playoff game to prepare for this week, and he says he's not letting his Jaguars interview become a distraction:

"The No. 1 thing this week is to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it's an honor and a privilege to have that (opportunity) and get noticed for something like that," McCoy said. "We'll see what happens down the road."

McCoy has been an assistant with Denver since 2009, and the offensive coordinator since 2010. Prior to his stint in Denver, McCoy spent nine years as an assistant with the Carolina Panthers.

McCoy also has been connected to the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator position.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

2012 NFL Coaching Candidates: Kansas City Chiefs May Have Interest In Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy, According To Report

According to the NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the Kansas City Chiefs could be interested in hiring current Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy if they are unable to lure Josh McDaniels from St. Louis.

The Kansas City Chiefs could pinpoint Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy as a possible coordinator/coach-in-waiting should they be unable to land Josh McDaniels from St. Louis, sources said. (According to league sources, the Rams would like to retain McDaniels as offensive coordinator to stay with Bradford.)

McCoy thinks McDaniels could be the top target if Romeo Crennel is promoted to head coach in Kansas City, which many expect will happen.

How the McDaniels-Rams relationship resolves itself will be something to keep an eye on should Crennel earn that promotion, because McCoy may very well be plan B for Kansas City.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more on the coming coaching carousel in the league.

2012 NFL Coaching Candidates: Mike McCoy Speculated As Potential Hire Around League

Will any teams want to interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who coached for Josh McDaniels and later helped move the team to the Tim Tebow offense?