In an offseason that has seen plenty of defensive coordinator jobs open up, another one has become available, in an unexpected location.
Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have “mutually decided” to part ways.
The move comes after a season in which Nolan’s presence increased the team’s performance from No. 29 to No. 7 in total defense.
The reason for the separation isn’t known (yet), but the development puts Nolan in play for vacancies in Miami, Buffalo, and Chicago.
Nolan, who uses a base 3-4 scheme, would be a good fit with the Dolphins.
He also could be a fit in Arizona, if coach Ken Whisenhunt decides to dump Bill Davis after the Cardinals surrendered 90 points in two postseason games -- and if Whisenhunt opts to embrace the 3-4 approach used by his former team, the Steelers.
In Arizona, Nolan would be returning the the NFC West, where he served as head coach of the 49ers from 2005 through the first seven games of 2008.