Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos walks the sidelines during a 34-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images North America
The Vic Fangio era is over for the Denver Broncos.
Broncos general manager George Paton has decided to dismiss Fangio after three seasons as head coach.
The move comes a day after the Broncos closed out the 2021 season with a 7-10 record, their fifth straight season with a sub-.500 mark and the sixth consecutive season that they have missed the playoffs.
Fangio’s teams were compiled a record of 19-30 (.388). He came to the Broncos after serving as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears from 2015-2018. He has coached in the NFL for 22 years, including stops with the Saints, Panthers, Colts, Texans, Ravens, 49ers, Bears and Broncos.
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KOA Voice of the Broncos Dave Logan spoke with Mike Rice about the change.
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From the Broncos:
BRONCOS PART WAYS WITH HEAD COACH VIC FANGIO
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—The Denver Broncos on Sunday parted ways with Head Coach Vic Fangio, it was announced.
Please see below for statements from Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis and General Manager George Paton.
Ellis and Paton will be available to the media today at 12 p.m. MT via Zoom (details to follow).
STATEMENT FROM DENVER BRONCOS PRESIDENT & CEO JOE ELLIS
“This morning, George and I informed Vic of the decision to part ways with him as head coach of the Denver Broncos.
“For the last three seasons, Vic put his heart and soul into coaching the Broncos. I want to thank Coach Fangio for giving his maximum effort to our organization since the day he was hired.
“George will have full authority to select the next head coach of the Broncos. This is his decision and his program. I have complete confidence in George’s ability to lead an exhaustive and successful head coaching search.
“We will give George every available resource and fully support him in hiring the very best head coach to lead the Broncos.”
STATEMENT FROM DENVER BRONCOS GENERAL MANAGER GEORGE PATON
“I have tremendous respect for Vic and all he’s accomplished in the NFL. Over the past year, I appreciate his partnership, friendship and the tireless work-ethic he demonstrated as our head coach.
“Vic will continue to have great success in this league, and I thank him for everything he did for the Broncos as well as me personally.
“Looking ahead, there’s a lot of work to be done for us to take the next step. Winning is not easy, and we’re going to embrace the opportunity to improve in every single area of our operation.
“Our search to find the next head coach of the Broncos will be a comprehensive, collaborative process. We’re approaching it with an open mind and look forward to spending time with some outstanding candidates.
“With the foundation in place, the progress that’s been made and the resources we have to get better, I’m excited about the future of our team. We will find an outstanding leader and head coach for the Broncos and our fans.”
STATEMENT FROM VIC FANGIO
“It was an honor and privilege to serve as Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. I want to thank John Elway and Joe Ellis for giving me the opportunity to be part of this storied franchise and special community when they hired me three seasons ago.
“Over the past year, I am grateful to have been able to work with George Paton, one of—in my opinion—our league’s best General Managers. Broncos fans, you have a great one in George.
“To the players, coaches and staff: Thank you for the fight and character you showed each and every week. No matter the adversity, circumstances or challenges we faced, you never backed down. I am proud to be associated with this group of fighters and competitors. I appreciate you all.
“To Broncos fans: Thank you for your support, passion and how much you care about the Broncos. You are the reason Denver is one of the NFL’s best football towns.
“The foundation is in place for this team to accomplish great things. The future is bright for the Denver Broncos, and I wish the organization nothing but the best.”