Denver Broncos Rumors: Peyton Manning Not Returning As Adam Gase Coach Option With Demaryius Thomas Free Agent Target?

Jan 13, 2015 10:47 AM EST

The Denver Broncos ended the season with a disappointing playoffs loss and now Peyton Manning may not be returning, but if he does, the Broncos likely will consider Adam Gase as their next head coach after parting ways with John Fox and this comes as the team has some major free agents in Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker hitting the market in 2015.

The Broncos and Fox decided to mutually part ways after a successful run, but the team could not win the ultimate goal, which was a Super Bowl. According to Pro Football Talk, the Broncos will consider offensive coordinator Adam Gase for the job and this comes as Gase is getting attention from around the league. The Chicago Bears have shown interest and Gase could end up with another team if the Broncos don't move fast. Gase could be a target for the Bears, while Fox reportedly is also interviewing with the Bears after splitting with the Broncos.

Gase has worked with Peyton Manning on the Broncos and Manning has thrived with him calling the plays and he could be interested in returning if Gase is hired. Gase can look for other jobs, but he is under contract and he also has interviewed with the 49ers. San Francisco is also looking at Josh McDaniels and they could be waiting until the playoffs are over before making a move. Gase could be a nice option for the Niners as well, as he has shown he can handle the offensive side of things, which is where the Niners struggled last season.

The Broncos were one of the best teams in the league once again after going 12-4 and winning the AFC West for the fourth straight season. The team comes in after ranking fourth in the league in passing yards per game and they averaged over 400 yards per game and that could help Gase get a head coaching job. The Broncos went 6-0 in the AFC West and 10-2 overall in the AFC and they now have some major questions, as they have big free agents coming off the books.

Demaryius Thomas had 111 catches for 1619 yards and 11 touchdowns and while he is expected to return, he will command a ton of money for his services. Julius Thomas is another big free agent, as he was tops in the league with 12 touchdowns at his position and he has been one of the most consistent options for Manning. Manning comes in after passing for over 4700 yards with 39 touchdowns and the Broncos are hopeful that he will be coming back next season.

Wes Welker and Orlando Franklin as well as Rahim Moore are free agents and that means the Broncos have a number of players they need to try to sign back. The team lost to the Colts in the playoffs and now there could be some major changes for John Elway within the franchise. Fox is going to interview with the Bears after moving on from the Broncos and they also could be a target for Gase. The Broncos want to retain Gase, but he is once again getting major attention on the market.

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