NFL Rumors: Broncos Winningest Coach Almost Returned To Denver

The Denver Broncos could use a big shot in the arm as they piece things together and hopefully get back on track in the NFL. There are issues to be sorted out, something that new head coach Vic Fangio will need to address.

Known to be the football's best defensive schemer, Fangio may have his work cut out for him as he tries to back up the president of football operations/general manager John Elway's belief that the Broncos are legit contenders for the coming NFL season. Injuries are a concern and critics feel that the roster has a lot of soft spots. Taking over from Vance Joseph, it will be no easy task for the 60-year-old coach.

Speaking of coaches, former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan recently spoke with ESPN and revealed how he would have returned for Denver before the 2018 season. Things just did not work out although there were actually extensive discussions between him and Elway.

"I was close, I was close,'' Shanahan said. "One thing that has to happen is you all have to be on the same page. One thing you've got to make sure of when you are a head football coach that the owner, the GM, the quarterback are all on the same page. And if it doesn't happen the chances of you winning the Super Bowl aren't very good. ... I had a great conversation with John as everybody knows, it didn't work out, sometimes it works out for the right reasons.''

Shanahan holds the distinction of being the Broncos winningest coach. He compiled a 146-91 overall record in 20 seasons with different organizations in the NFL, Yahoo Sports reported. Having been away from the NFL for five years now, the 66-year-old coach does miss the game but stands by his decision to stay away.

“I made the decision a long time ago, right when I got fired (by the Washington Redskins), I said if I didn't get the right job right away, where you had a chance to win a Super Bowl, that I was probably going to do what I'm doing, being a dad, kind of following your son, the organization, being a part of it,” the three-time Super Bowl champion said.