Top 20 Josh McDaniels disasters: Anatomy of a Denver Broncos coaching failure

Josh McDaniels.

The speed with which Josh McDaniels's Denver Broncos career went south was absolutely stunning -- and we documented every misstep. Below, we've linked to and excerpted from twenty posts over twenty months that tell the tale, from personnel mistakes involving the likes of Jay Cutler and questionable on-the-field decisions to Spygate II and the series of losses that sealed his doom. Page down to check out the whole ugly chronicle.

"Offensive expert Josh McDaniels as new Broncos coach? WTF?"

Anyone who's watched ten minutes of a Broncos game over the past three seasons understands that the squad's lingering mediocrity is almost entirely attributable to a way-below-par defense. In particular, the Denver D has not been able to generate a consistent or credible pass rush, thereby allowing opposing signal callers of all talent levels to pitch a tent in the pocket and methodically complete passes all over the field. Shanahan's inability to improve this situation despite shuffling through a slew of defensive coaches over the years was presumably the largest reason why he was sent packing (along with his dubious player-personnel performance as the Broncos' general manager). And fans were reassured that Bowlen would finally address this issue when his list of potential Shanahan replacements was dominated by folks like the New York Giants' Steve Spagnuolo -- a defensive coordinator who seemed to have precisely the skill set the Broncos needed. (January 12, 2009)

"Update: The Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels Broncos bromance hits the rocks"

In the January 22 blog, "Could a Bromance Be in Jay Cutler's Future?," I wrote about an apparent bromance between Cutler and his old quarterbacks coach, Jeremy Bates -- and even though Bates left, he might be able to develop a bromantic relationship with the team's new on-field boss, Josh McDaniels. But love isn't in the air. Today, everybody hates everybody. (March 2, 2009)

"Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels have been talking -- and that's not good news"

Last night, former Denver Post scribe Bill Williamson, who now writes for ESPN.com, revealed that Cutler had participated in a conference call with Broncos brass, including McDaniels, on Monday -- but the QB hung up feeling pissed, apparently because McDaniels would neither confirm nor deny that he'd initiated trade talks with the intent of swapping Cutler for ex-Pat Matt Cassel. Such caginess is straight out of Bill Belichick's School of Management (by way of the Nixon administration), but it didn't sit well with JC, who's now uncertain whether he'll bother showing up for off-season conditioning that starts next Monday. (March 11, 2009)

"Top uncensored comments about the Broncos' plan to trade Jay Cutler"

he was taken 11th overall...if he was worth it 3 years ago out of fucking vanderbilt, he worth it now as one of the best young QBs in the league....

wow im just so glad that we wont have to see this fucking asshole twice a year anymore and it makes the division alot easier for us too.

Pat, you did not seemed worried when you fired your Star Head Coach. Things not shaking out right now. Sleepless Nights are a Bitch. (April 1, 2009)

"Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels, Pat Bowlen and lying liars who lie"

The major themes of the Broncos mini-camp this past weekend? Moving forward with two new quarterbacks, hard-partying Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, and putting the turmoil of Jay Cutler's trade to the Chicago Bears in the rearview mirror. But some fans aren't ready to forget -- among them YouTuber GaryHoosier, whose angry clip above underscores images of team owner Pat Bowlen, new coach Josh McDaniels and Bus Cook, Cutler's agent, with an old Three Dog Night song called "Liar." Somehow, the video-maker also works in the famous photo of Harry Truman holding up a newspaper declaring his defeat in the 1948 presidential election to Thomas Dewey, as well as Bill Clinton. Who also lied, from what I understand.

Check out his rage by clicking the player above. (April 22, 2009)