It looks like Josh McDaniels knew exactly who was going to replace Mike Nolan when the two men decided to “mutually part ways” Tuesday.
The Denver Post writes that the Broncos are “likely to soon name” former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees as the team’s new defensive chief. (Florio mentioned the possible reunion last night.)
The official announcement of Pees’ hiring could be slightly delayed by contractual issues. Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston reported last week that Pees’ contract with the Patriots lasted until the end of January.
In Denver, not a lot has been said yet about Nolan’s abrupt departure.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post put it this way: “As the Broncos’ confusing 2009 season wore on, Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan began to realize that aside from their agent, they didn’t have much in common.”
Nolan and McDaniels both have strong personalities and philosophies and it appears they couldn’t co-exist for too long.
McDaniels will continue to bring in “his guys” for his roster and coaching staff as he enters his second pressure-packed offseason as a head coach.