Broncos fire head coach Vic Fangio

DENVER (KKTV) - After three underwhelming seasons at Mile High, the Denver Broncos have fired head coach Vic Fangio.

Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis said he informed Vic of their decision Sunday morning, just hours after Denver’s 28-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fangio’s tenure as head coach ends with a 19-30 record, with no winning seasons or playoff appearances.

Fangio was hired in 2019, touted as a defensive mastermind with more than 30 years of NFL coaching experience. While Denver’s defense was near the top of the NFL in many statistical categories, the offense lagged behind and failed to score points. Denver ended the 2021 season losing four straight. Fangio’s record against AFC West opponents fell to 2-10 in the last two seasons, punctuated by Saturday’s defeat at home to the Chiefs.

The Broncos released this statement from President and CEO Joe Ellis:

“This morning, George and I informed Vic of the decision to part ways with him as head coach of the Denver Broncos. 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. George will have full authority to select the next head coach of the Broncos. This is his decision and his program. I have complete confidence in George’s ability to lead an exhaustive and successful head coaching search. We will give George every available resource and fully support him in hiring the very best head coach to lead the Broncos.”

They also released this statement on behalf of GM George Paton:

“I have tremendous respect for Vic and all he’s accomplished in the NFL. Over the past year, I appreciate his partnership, friendship, and the tireless work ethic he demonstrated as our head coach. Vic will continue to have great success in this league, and I thank him for everything he did for the Broncos as well as me personally. Looking ahead, there’s a lot of work to be done for us to take the next step. Winning is not easy, and we’re going to embrace the opportunity to improve in every single area of our operation. Our search to find the next head coach of the Broncos will be a comprehensive, collaborative process. We’re approaching it with an open mind and look forward to spending time with some outstanding candidates. With the foundation in place, the progress that’s been made, and the resources we have to get better, I’m excited about the future of our team. We will find an outstanding leader and head coach for the Broncos and our fans.”

Vic Fangio released this statement after the news broke:

“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. To Broncos fans: Thank you for your support, passion and how much you care about the Broncos. You are the reason Denver is one of the NFL’s best football towns. The foundation is in place for this team to accomplish great things. The future is bright for the Denver Broncos, and I wish the organization nothing but the best.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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