Watch CBS News

Fangio Out As Broncos Head Coach Following 5th Straight Losing Season

DENVER (CBS4) - For the fourth time in the last seven years, the Denver Broncos are looking for a new head coach. General Manager George Paton fired Vic Fangio after the Broncos suffered through their fifth straight losing season.

Vic Fangio
(Credit: CBS)

Fangio was the architect of the last three losing seasons going a combined 19-30 and finishing last in AFC West for the second straight season. Fangio's Broncos went 1-11 vs. the Raiders and Chiefs in his three years.

"For the last three seasons, Vic put his heart and soul into coaching the Broncos. I want to thank Coach Fangio for giving his maximum effort to our organization since the day he was hired," said Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis.

The 33-year NFL coaching veteran came to Denver as a well-respected defensive coordinator in the NFL. His work with the Broncos defense wasn't the issue. His defenses ranked in the top 10 in scoring in two of his three seasons.

When asked during post-game interviews on Saturday night, Fangio said "I'll be good" when asked about the future of his job with the Broncos.

Shortly after the Broncos made the official announcement on Sunday morning, Fangio released a statement which reads in part:

"It was an honor and privilege to serve as Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. I want to thank John Elway and Joe Ellis for giving me the opportunity to be part of this storied franchise and special community when they hired me three seasons ago.

Over the past year, I am grateful to have been able to work with George Paton, one of - in my opinion - our league's best General Managers. Broncos fans, you have a great one in George.

To the players, coaches and staff: Thank you for the fight and character you showed each and every week. No matter the adversity, circumstances or challenges we faced, you never backed down. I am proud to be associated with this group of fighters and competitors. I appreciate you all.

Fangio's downfall was his inability to make changes to the Broncos offense which has never finished out of the bottom 10 in scoring. He also struggled with most the game day duties of a head coach. Whether it was using his coaching challenges wisely, properly managing the clock or using his timeouts effectively, Fangio's sideline decisions often came under heavy criticism.

Vic Fangio
(credit: CBS)

Former General Manger John Elway hired Vic Fangio in 2019 and signed him to a 4-year deal with a team option for a 5th year.

The search for the next head coach will be a "comprehensive, collaborative process," Paton stated on Sunday. Whomever Paton hires next will be the 18th head coach in team history.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.