After losing their sixth straight game, the Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Mike Mccoy, the team announced Monday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider first reported the decision before the team later confirmed the firing. The Broncos promoted quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to take over McCoy’s position, days before the Broncos played the Oakland Raiders Sunday.
According to Rapoport, the players were frustrated about McCoy’s awkward playbook that led to their losses. Musgrave will handle all play-calling duties while Klint Kubiak will take over as quarterbacks coach.
In a statement, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said parting ways with Mike McCoy was a difficult decision. However, Joseph said he has a responsibility to perform what’s best for the football team. “Although this wasn't an easy decision, we needed to make this change. We have to play a more efficient brand of football offensively as we begin the final stretch of our season,” said Joseph.
The Broncos fired McCoy after suffering the franchise’s longest losing streak since 1993-1994. The Broncos lost to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, 20-17, dropping them to 3-7.
Players contradict Elway’s soft comment
Last week, Broncos general manager John Elway called the team “soft” during the losing streak. The Broncos started the season with a 3-1 mark before suffering six straight losses, prompting Elway to criticize the team’s performance publicly. During his tenure as Broncos quarterback, Elway led the team to two Super Bowl titles. Joseph said he was offended at first by Elway’s comment, but later realized that the general manager had a point. “Football is a physical, tough sport. So when you're not winning, that word comes out,” said Joseph.
Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller, for his part, said that he was taken aback by Elway’s comment, yet admitted that the team has developed into a soft one during their losing streak. The Broncos are known for their tough defense, but they gave up a total of 92 points in Weeks 9 and 10. Linebacker Brandon Marshall contradicted Elway’s view, saying “we go out there and give 100 every game, every practice.”
Broncos lost to Bengals
In their 20-17 loss to the Bengals, quarterback Brock Osweiler completed 23-of-42 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown with an interception for the Broncos. CJ Anderson ran 13 times for 37 yards and a touchdown, Demaryius Thomas caught five passes for 64 yards and a score while Brandon McManus made 1-of-2 field goals for Denver.