PATON: The Best Move Was To Make A Change Now

The Denver Broncos will have a news head coach next season.

CEO Joe Ellis and GM George Paton dismissed head coach Vic Fangio Sunday morning after three years on the job, during which the Broncos went 19-30.

Ellis and Paton spoke with reporters at UC Health Training Center on Sunday afternoon.

"We went through every scenario and you know how much we like Vic," Broncos general manager George Paton said. "But we thought the best move for our football team was to make a change at this time."

KOA Broncos Insider Benjamin Allbright reported that the decision to move on from Fangio was made late last week.

"From my understanding, this decision was actually made on Friday [Jan. 7]," Allbright said. "George Paton and Vic Fangio had a sit-down Thursday night. Fangio specifically went to him to plead his case. Vic Fangio believed he was the guy to turn this around. He wanted to be here. He believed he didn't have the quarterback and didn't have the OC [offensive coordinator] and some of that was on him. But he wanted to be the coach of the Broncos because he wanted to turn it around. Even with the fans trashing him, he still wanted to be here."

"One thing about Vic Fangio is he's the best coach I've ever been around," Paton added. "His attention to detail, his toughness, his work ethic and his football mind are unparalleled. I just want to thank Vic for that."

In spite of those qualities, the Broncos were unable to have a winning record in any of Fangio's three seasons as head coach, going 19-30 (.388).

The Broncos have now had a losing record for five straight years and missed the playoffs six consecutive seasons.

"Frustration levels have reached an all-time for everyone," Broncos CEO Joe Ellis said. "I'm not just talking about me, I'm talking about fans. The disappointment is the same thing. It has sort of become systemic what's been happening to us. We can't figure out how to win games and that has to change."

The Broncos now turn their attention to finding a new head coach. Paton will have full authority to make the hire and said he will keep all options open on the background, area of expertise and experience of the candidates.

While Ellis did not directly speak about the impending transition in ownership of the Broncos, preferring to let the current legal issues play out, he did not believe the situation would detract candidates from the Broncos head coaching position. Paton echoed that sentiment.

Here are Allbright's comments on the timing of the decision to move on from Fangio.

Ellis and Paton both had opening statements and then took questions from reporters over Zoom.

Click on the picture of Paton below to watch the full press conference on Broncos TV.

Broncos defensive lineman Shelby Harris spoke with Broncos TV. Click on the picture below to watch.

Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner spoke with Broncos TV. Click on the picture below to watch.

Broncos defensive lineman Dre'mont Jones spoke with Broncos TV. Click on the picture below to watch.