While Vance Joseph is getting attention for head-coaching gigs around the NFL, there’s another name from the Denver Broncos’ ranks that’s making waves: David Shaw. As a senior personnel executive with the Broncos and with a rich coaching history as Stanford’s head coach, Shaw is a hot commodity for the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy.
The news broke when a credible source mentioned that the Bears have reached out to Shaw, seeking an interview. This development raises eyebrows about whether such pursuits could potentially sidetrack the Broncos as they gear up for their Wildcard showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Yet, head coach Sean Payton isn’t losing any sleep over it. In fact, he embraces the buzz as a positive indicator of the franchise’s health.
Payton shared a nugget from his early days coaching the New Orleans Saints, reminiscing about a conversation he had with the late owner, Tom Benson. When Benson noted the increased demand for the team’s coaches and asked for Payton’s thoughts, Payton wisely remarked, “We should only worry when there’s no interest.” Indeed, having your staff eyed by others in the league is often a testament to a successful organization.
With a track record of aiding assistants like Dan Campbell and Dennis Allen ascend to head-coaching roles, Payton knows a thing or two about what makes a head coach materialize from within a successful system. Shaw might just be next on that list. His coaching prowess was evident during his tenure with the Stanford Cardinal, where he logged an impressive 96-54 record, including five bowl wins.
But let’s not hit the panic button just yet regarding disruptions. The NFL mandates that coaches from playoff-bound teams can only entertain job interviews three days post their Wildcard game. This rule ensures coaching staff can focus on the task at hand and provides teams the necessary pause to make prudent decisions during hiring cycles.
Payton echoed this sentiment, saying, “From a distraction standpoint, none of that can take place until next week. I’m sure all of our focus is on Buffalo… The best interview happens early in the postseason. When you’re winning, things are shinier.”
Indeed, how Joseph and Shaw’s futures unfold remains to be seen, but the fervor surrounding them speaks volumes of the cultural shift Payton has spearheaded since arriving in Denver. It’s evident that the Broncos’ resurgence has turned heads across the NFL, as teams look to replicate the newfound ‘Bronco way’.
Shaw isn’t just resting on collegiate laurels; his NFL experience brims with nine years of roles ranging from quality control to position coaching across three franchises. With such credentials, Shaw stands out as a bridge between college coaching success and NFL potential, making him a fascinating candidate not only for the Bears but any team looking for a head coach ready to make waves.
