As teams around the NFL fill their coaching staffs, the Denver Broncos are experiencing a mild talent raid.
The team has already lost John Morton (passing game coordinator to the New York Jets) and Declan Doyle (tight ends coach to the Chicago Bears) but now, the team’s assistant special teams coach, Chris Banjo, has also accepted a new position.
The team also relieved linebackers coach Greg Manusky of his duties earlier in the week.
According to Broncos insider Mike Klis, Banjo will be hired by the New York Jets as their special teams coordinator, joining the staff being put together by new head coach Aaron Glenn. Banjo was a hot candidate and had interest from several teams, but the hope was that the Broncos could keep him in-house as their special teams coordinator following the firing of Ben Kotwica, who the Broncos let go of following the season.
That won’t be the case.
Broncos have several vacancies to fill on coaching staff
Sean Payton will have to start making some moves here quickly as teams around the league are hurriedly filling their staffs to start preparing for the 2025 season. At the least, Payton needs a new tight ends coach, linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
NFL buzz:
If Mike McCarthy or Kellen Moore become Saints’ head coach then:
*Darren Rizzi may become Broncos’ ST coordinator and bring along longtime asst Phil Galiano.
*Broncos’ special teams asst Chris Banjo may become Jets ST coordinator.
*Big domino is Saints HC. Rizzi in mix.— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) January 28, 2025
The Broncos should prioritize landing a playmaker at the tight end position this offseason. The draft has a few options, including Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland and Harold Fannin Jr. The Broncos will need to bring in a coach that can help get more from that position, as the Broncos have had next to nothing at tight end for too long.
Special teams weren’t bad for the Broncos last year, which was why the dismissal of Kotwica was a bit of a surprise. But the blocked field goal that cost them a game against Kansas City was a massive blunder and the biggest reason for his dismissal.
With Banjo out the door, the Broncos need to find a strong replacement. Darren Rizzi, who was the interim head coach of the New Orleans Saints this past season and likely won’t get their head coach position, would be a name to keep an eye on.
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