Josh McDaniels” brief stint as the head coach of the Denver Broncos left an indelible mark with intriguing personnel decisions, which are now coming to light following his recent dismissal from the Las Vegas Raiders. Former Broncos tight end Nate Jackson stirred the pot by revealing startling insights into McDaniels in his recent article.
At 47 years old, McDaniels is set to receive a substantial payout, with team owner Mark Davis owing him around $45 million. Nonetheless, despite this financial compensation, repairing a tarnished coaching reputation is no easy task. It may be a considerable amount of time before witnessing his return to coaching in the NFL.
Numerous reports have emerged, indicating player discontent during McDaniels” tenure. This is not surprising, especially considering the public expressions of dissatisfaction from key stars such as Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs earlier in the season. These players now seem eager to work with Antonio Pierce.
However, the unveiling of McDaniels” questionable coaching decisions and character appears to have only scratched the surface.
Former Broncos tight end Nate Jackson, now an author, illuminated McDaniels” failures as an NFL head coach, shedding light on a range of intriguing stories from his time with the team in 2009.
According to Jackson, McDaniels exhibited a fragile ego, both on and off the field. One of the shocking stories shared was the rumored reason behind McDaniels” decision to trade away future star running back Peyton Hillis—apparently, it was due to McDaniels suspecting that his wife, Laura, had an affinity for Hillis.
Jackson recounted, “McDaniels”s ego wasn’t just a delicate flower on the field. He famously sent packing Peyton Hillis because, word had it, McDaniels thought his wife had a thing for the guy.”
Peyton Hillis subsequently had a breakout season with the Browns in 2010, amassing 1,654 total yards and 13 touchdowns, ultimately becoming the cover athlete for EA Sports” Madden 2012.
Jackson didn”t stop with the Hillis story; he shared a personal anecdote about his departure from the Broncos.
“I found out my Broncos career was over from a message left on my parents’ answering machine. ‘Honey, there’s something I think you need to listen to.” When I tried to contact Josh for an explanation, his secretary told me he was in a meeting and that he’d call me back. He never did.”
Moving ahead, the ex-NFL tight end discusses how offensive players like Culter, Scheffler, and Marshall endangered McDaniels. These individuals became outstanding players under head coach Mike Shanahan, leading the club to two Super Bowl triumphs.
Jackson even noted what the coach uttered after trading Culter:
“Fellas, don’t worry about the quarterback situation. I can turn a high school quarterback into an All-Pro.”
