2015 Denver Broncos season

2015 Denver Broncos season
Head coach Gary Kubiak
General manager John Elway
Owner The Pat Bowlen Trust
Home field Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Timeline
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The 2015 Denver Broncos season will be the franchise's upcoming 46th season in the National Football League, the 56th overall and the fourth season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback.[1]

Following their loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the 2014 playoffs, the Broncos' off-season has been marked by numerous coaching changes, including a mutual parting with head coach John Fox, and the hiring of Gary Kubiak as the new head coach.

Coaching changes

Departures

On January 12, 2015, one day after the Broncos' loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional round of the 2014 playoffs, the Broncos and head coach John Fox decided to mutually part ways. Fox compiled a 49–22 record in four seasons (including the playoffs), led the Broncos to four consecutive AFC West division titles, a first-round bye in three consecutive seasons as well as a berth in Super Bowl XLVIII, but lost in the Divisional round of the playoffs in three of his four seasons as head coach.[2] Fox departed with a .719 winning percentage in his four seasons as head coach — the highest in franchise history.[3] Four days later (January 16), Fox was hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.[4]

The following former Broncos' coaching assistants from 2014 were reunited with John Fox in Chicago: Defensive backs coach Sam Garnes, special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers,[5] defensive line coach Jay Rodgers,[6] offensive coordinator Adam Gase,[7] offensive line coach Dave Magazu, assistant special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II,[8] assistant strength & conditioning coach Jason George[9] and offensive quality control coach Bo Hardegree.[10]

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was hired as the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders,[11] defensive backs coach Cory Undlin was hired to the same position with the Philadelphia Eagles[12] and linebackers coach Richard Smith was hired to a senior defensive position with the Atlanta Falcons.[13]

Additions

On January 18, the Broncos finalized a deal that made Gary Kubiak the team's new head coach, and he was formally introduced at a press conference at the team's Dove Valley headquarters on January 20. Kubiak served as a backup quarterback to Broncos' executive vice president/general manager John Elway from 1983–91, and also served as the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995–2005, before serving as the Houston Texans' head coach from 2006–13. Kubiak served as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator in 2014.[14]

The following seven coaching assistants were reunited with Gary Kubiak:

Joe DeCamillis was hired as the special teams coordinator. DeCamillis, a Denver native, previously worked in the same capacity on Dan Reeves' staff with the Broncos from 1988–92, and most recently served as the Bears' special teams coordinator/assistant head coach from 2013–14. Clancy Barone, who had served as the Broncos' tight ends coach since 2011, was moved to the offensive line coach position that he held in 2010.[19] Joe Woods was hired as the defensive backs coach. Woods served in the same capacity with the Oakland Raiders in 2014.[15] Fred Pagac was hired as the team's outside linebackers coach. He served as the Buffalo Bills' linebackers coach in 2014.[17] Samson Brown was hired as the team's assistant defensive backs coach. Like Fred Pagac, Brown also served on the Bills' staff in 2014.[18]

Front office

On February 27, Jerry Butler, who served as the team's director of player development since 2011, was hired to the same position with the Chicago Bears. The Broncos declined to renew his contract following the 2014 season.[20]

Roster changes

Free agents

Position Player Tag 2015 Team Notes
LS Aaron Brewer RFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 5[21]
S Quinton Carter UFA TBD
CB Tony Carter RFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 9,[22] re-signed April 27[23]
OT Paul Cornick ERFA TBD assigned tender on March 6[24]
G Orlando Franklin UFA San Diego Chargers signed with the Chargers on March 10[25]
G Ben Garland ERFA TBD assigned tender on March 6[24]
TE Virgil Green UFA Denver Broncos re-signed March 10[26]
LB Nate Irving UFA Indianapolis Colts signed with the Colts on March 20[27]
LB Steven Johnson UFA Denver Broncos originally an RFA, re-signed March 10[28]
DT Terrance Knighton UFA Washington Redskins signed with the Redskins on March 12[29]
LB Brandon Marshall ERFA Denver Broncos assigned tender on March 6,[24] re-signed April 13[30]
C Will Montgomery UFA Chicago Bears signed with the Bears on April 2[31]
S Rahim Moore UFA Houston Texans signed with the Texans on March 12[32]
TE Jacob Tamme UFA Atlanta Falcons signed with the Falcons on March 19[33]
WR Demaryius Thomas FT TBD assigned franchise tag on March 2[34]
TE Julius Thomas UFA Jacksonville Jaguars signed with the Jaguars on March 10[25]
DT Mitch Unrein UFA San Diego Chargers signed with the Chargers on March 18[35]
WR/RS Wes Welker UFA TBD

Signings

Position Player 2014 Team Notes
TE/FB James Casey Philadelphia Eagles signed April 11[36]
TE Owen Daniels Baltimore Ravens signed March 10[37]
TE/FB Joe Don Duncan None signed March 10[38]
P Karl Schmitz None signed March 12[29]
DE Antonio Smith Oakland Raiders signed April 2[39]
G Shelley Smith Miami Dolphins signed March 13[40]
S Darian Stewart Baltimore Ravens signed March 13[41]
LB Reggie Walker San Diego Chargers signed March 19[42]
DE Vance Walker Kansas City Chiefs signed March 12[43]
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2014 season.

Departures

Position Player Notes
DE Quanterus Smith waived April 28[44]

Trades

On April 1, the Broncos acquired center/guard Gino Gradkowski in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens that will involve 2016 draft-pick considerations.[45]

Draft

Main article: 2015 NFL draft
2015 Denver Broncos Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 23 Shane Ray DE Missouri
2 59
3 92
4 133
5 164
6 203
7 250
251
252
Compensatory selection[46]
Draft trades

Staff

Denver Broncos staff
Front Office
  • Owner – The Pat Bowlen Trust
  • President/Chairman/CEO – Joe Ellis
  • Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager – John Elway
  • Director of Football Administration – Mike Sullivan
  • Director of Player Personnel – Matt Russell
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Tom Heckert, Jr.
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Adam Peters
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Anthony Kelly
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
  
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
  • Special Teams Coordinator – Joe DeCamillis
  • Assistant Special Teams Coordinator – Tony Coaxum
Strength and Conditioning
  • Strength and Conditioning – Luke Richesson
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Mike Eubanks
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Anthony Lomando

→ Coaching Staff
→ Management
→ More NFL staffs

AFC East
BUF
MIA
NE
NYJ
North
BAL
CIN
CLE
PIT
South
HOU
IND
JAX
TEN
West
DEN
KC
OAK
SD
NFC East
DAL
NYG
PHI
WAS
North
CHI
DET
GB
MIN
South
ATL
CAR
NO
TB
West
ARI
STL
SF
SEA

Current roster

colspan="10" style="background-color: #FB4F14; color: white; border:2px solid #002244;" text-align: center;" |
Denver Broncos roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists
  • Currently vacant

Unrestricted FAs

Exclusive-Rights FAs

Rookies in italics
Roster updated April 30, 2015
Depth Chart • Transactions
64 Active, 0 Inactive, 5 FAs

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

AFC East
BUF
MIA
NE
NYJ
North
BAL
CIN
CLE
PIT
South
HOU
IND
JAX
TEN
West
DEN
KC
OAK
SD
NFC East
DAL
NYG
PHI
WAS
North
CHI
DET
GB
MIN
South
ATL
CAR
NO
TB
West
ARI
STL
SF
SEA

Schedule

Preseason

The Broncos' preliminary preseason schedule was announced on April 9.[51] Exact dates and times were finalized on April 21.[52]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL.com
recap
1 August 14 8:00 p.m. MDT at Seattle Seahawks CenturyLink Field KTVD
2 August 22 6:00 p.m. MDT at Houston Texans NRG Stadium KTVD
3 August 29 7:00 p.m. MDT San Francisco 49ers Sports Authority Field at Mile High KTVD
4 September 3 7:00 p.m. MDT Arizona Cardinals Sports Authority Field at Mile High KTVD

Regular season

The Broncos' 2015 schedule was announced on April 21.[53]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL.com
recap
1 September 13 2:25 p.m. MDT Baltimore Ravens Sports Authority Field at Mile High CBS
2 September 17 6:25 p.m. MDT at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium CBS/NFLN
3 September 27 6:30 p.m. MDT at Detroit Lions Ford Field NBC
4 October 4 2:25 p.m. MDT Minnesota Vikings Sports Authority Field at Mile High Fox
5 October 11 2:25 p.m. MDT at Oakland Raiders O.co Coliseum CBS
6 October 18 11:00 a.m. MDT at Cleveland Browns FirstEnergy Stadium CBS
7 Bye
8 November 1 6:30 p.m. MST Green Bay Packers Sports Authority Field at Mile High NBC
9 November 8 2:25 p.m. MST at Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium CBS
10 November 15 2:25 p.m. MST Kansas City Chiefs Sports Authority Field at Mile High CBS
11 November 22 11:00 a.m. MST at Chicago Bears Soldier Field CBS
12 November 29 6:30 p.m. MST New England Patriots Sports Authority Field at Mile High NBC
13 December 6 2:05 p.m. MST at San Diego Chargers Qualcomm Stadium CBS
14 December 13 2:05 p.m. MST Oakland Raiders Sports Authority Field at Mile High CBS
15 December 20 2:25 p.m. MST at Pittsburgh Steelers Heinz Field CBS
16 December 28 6:30 p.m. MST Cincinnati Bengals Sports Authority Field at Mile High ESPN
17 January 3 2:25 p.m. MST San Diego Chargers Sports Authority Field at Mile High CBS
Notes

Other news and notes

On March 4, 2015, quarterback Peyton Manning agreed to a restructured contract that will pay him $15 million for the 2015 season. Under the original contract that Manning signed in 2012, Manning had been slated to earn $19 million in 2015, and can earn back the $4 million through incentives.[1]

Milestone watch

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Klis, Mike (March 5, 2015). "Peyton Manning passes physical, making return to Broncos official". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  2. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 12, 2015). "John Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after playoff loss to Colts". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  3. ↑ Holden, Will (January 16, 2015). "Chicago Bears officially name John Fox new head coach". Fox 31 Denver. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  4. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 16, 2015). "John Fox hired as Chicago Bears head coach: "I've been in places like this before"". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Klis, Mike (January 19, 2015). "Gary Kubiak adds Rick Dennison, Brian Pariani to Broncos' coaching staff". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  6. ↑ Wright, Michael C. (January 26, 2015). "Jay Rodgers joins Bears' staff". ESPN. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  7. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 21, 2015). "Adam Gase joins John Fox with Bears as offensive coordinator". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  8. ↑ Wright, Michael C. (January 20, 2015). "Bears announce more coaching hires". ESPN. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  9. ↑ Renck, Troy (January 22, 2015). "Strength coach Jason George to join John Fox in Chicago". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  10. ↑ Alper, Josh (January 26, 2015). "Bears hire another former Broncos assistant". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  11. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 14, 2015). "Jack Del Rio reaches agreement to become Raiders' head coach". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  12. ↑ Wilkening, Mike (January 19, 2015). "Eagles hire Cory Undlin as DBs coach, tab Justin Peelle as TEs coach". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Klis, Mike (January 26, 2015). "Broncos’ linebackers coach Richard Smith leaves to join Falcons". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  14. ↑ Jhabvala, Nicki (January 20, 2015). "Gary Kubiak: Denver Broncos job was "a game-changer"". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Klis, Mike (January 28, 2015). "Broncos hire Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  16. ↑ Crabtree, Curtis (January 22, 2015). "Report: Texans D-line coach Bill Kollar to join Gary Kubiak in Denver". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Broncos hire Fred Pagac as OLB coach, Tony Coaxum as assistant special teams coach". The Denver Post. February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Renck, Troy (February 13, 2015). "Gary Kubiak finalizes Broncos coaching staff with Marc Lubick, Samson Brown". The Denver Post. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  19. ↑ Klis, Mike (January 20, 2015). "Joe DeCamillis hired as Broncos' special teams coordinator; Kubiak rounds out staff". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  20. ↑ Klis, Mike (February 27, 2015). "Jerry Butler, Broncos player development director, jumps to Chicago Bears". The Denver Post. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  21. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 5, 2015). "Aaron Brewer, Broncos agree to four-year, $4 million contract". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  22. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 9, 2015). "Broncos tender restricted free agent cornerback Tony Carter". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ Renck, Troy (April 27, 2015). "CB Tony Carter signs tender contract, creates depth for Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Renck, Troy (March 6, 2015). "Broncos tender contracts to Brandon Marshall, Ben Garland, Paul Cornick". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Mason, Andrew (March 10, 2015). "Some Broncos move on as league year begins". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  26. ↑ Renck, Troy (March 10, 2015). "Tough-minded Virgil Green ready to "flourish" in Broncos offense". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  27. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 20, 2015). "Nate Irving leaves Broncos for 3-year deal with Indianapolis Colts". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  28. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 10, 2015). "Steven Johnson, Broncos agree to 1-year deal". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Renck, Troy (March 12, 2015). "Terrance Knighton agrees to one-year, $4M deal with Washington". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  30. ↑ Wilkening, Mike (April 13, 2015). "Broncos re-sign LB Brandon Marshall". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  31. ↑ Renck, Troy (April 2, 2015). "Will Montgomery signs with Bears after Broncos sign Gino Gradkowski". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  32. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 12, 2015). "Rahim Moore reaches 3-year, $12M agreement with Texans". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  33. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 19, 2015). "Jacob Tamme signs two-year deal with Atlanta Falcons". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  34. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 2, 2015). "It's official: Broncos put franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  35. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 18, 2015). "Mitch Unrein signs 2-year, $1.9 million deal with Chargers". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  36. ↑ Renck, Troy (April 11, 2015). "Broncos agree to one-year deal with tight end James Casey". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  37. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 10, 2015). "TE Owen Daniels agrees to 3-year, $12M deal with Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  38. ↑ Peters, David (March 10, 2015). "Report: Broncos sign TE Joe Don Duncan". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  39. ↑ Renck, Troy (April 2, 2015). "DL Antonio Smith, Broncos agree to one-year contract". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  40. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 13, 2015). "Shelley Smith agrees to 2-year, $5.65M contract with Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  41. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 13, 2015). "Safety Darian Stewart, Broncos agree to two-year deal". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  42. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 19, 2015). "Reggie Walker signs with Broncos, adding to linebacker depth". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  43. ↑ Klis, Mike (March 12, 2015). "Broncos sign DE Vance Walker to two-year, $4M contract". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  44. ↑ Renck, Troy (March 12, 2015). "Quanterus Smith waived by Denver Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  45. ↑ Renck, Troy (April 1, 2015). "Broncos acquire center Gino Gradkowski from Ravens". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  46. ↑ Swanson, Ben (March 25, 2015). "NFL revises Broncos' 2015 compensatory picks". Denver Broncos. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  47. ↑ Caldwell, Gray (May 10, 2014). "Broncos Trade Out of Fourth Round". Denver Broncos. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  48. ↑ Jhabvala, Nicki (April 30, 2015). "Broncos move to No. 23 in draft, take Missouri DE Shane Ray". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  49. ↑ Caldwell, Gray (May 9, 2014). "Denver Broncos Trade for Latimer in Draft's Second Round". Denver Broncos. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  50. ↑ Klis, Mike (October 3, 2014). "Matt Prater released by Broncos; Brandon McManus wins kicking job". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  51. ↑ Swanson, Ben (April 9, 2015). "Broncos announce 2015 preseason schedule". Denver Broncos. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  52. ↑ Swanson, Ben (April 21, 2015). "Broncos 2015 preseason schedule finalized". Denver Broncos. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  53. ↑ Swanson, Ben (April 21, 2015). "Denver Broncos' 2015 season schedule announced". Denver Broncos. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Peyton Manning, Broncos seal AFC West vs. Chargers". USA Today. December 14, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  55. ↑ Klis, Mike (April 21, 2015). "Broncos' 2015 schedule released; season to open at home vs. Ravens". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  56. ↑ Smith, Michael David (April 21, 2015). "Manning may break Favre's record vs. Packers or Colts". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 21, 2015.

External links