Miles
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- Mar 18, 2019
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As the Broncos search for a general manager for the first time in over a decade, follow along as we track rumored and reported candidates for the position.
At this point, as of Jan. 4, no candidates have been confirmed, but so far several names have been floated out into the conversation based on previous connections to the team or extensive experience in scouting or other personnel departments in the NFL.
Champ Kelly
Current position: Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Chicago Bears (2017-present)
Notable previous positions: Director of Pro Scouting, Chicago Bears (2015-16); Assistant Director of Pro Personnel, Denver Broncos (2010-14); Assistant Coordinator of Pro and College Scouting, Broncos (2008-09); Northeast Region College Scout, Broncos (2007)
Kelly, who has spent the last six seasons with the Bears, previously was employed by the Broncos for nearly a decade. Aside from that connection, he also has worked with Head Coach Vic Fangio before, when Fangio was the Bears' defensive coordinator from 2015-18.
Speculated by: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network, among others
Adam Peters
Current position: Vice President of Player Personnel, San Francisco 49ers (2017-pres.)
Notable previous positions: Director of College Scouting, Broncos (2016); Assistant Director of College Scouting, Broncos (2014-15); National Scout, Broncos (2011-13); Regional Scout, Broncos (2009-12); Area Scout, Patriots (2006-08); Pro Scout, Patriots (2005); Scouting Assistant, Patriots (2003-04)
During his tenure with the Broncos, Peters helped shape the roster that would eventually win Super Bowl 50 (as did the other candidates with previous experience working for the Broncos), and after going to work for the 49ers, he helped San Francisco reach a Super Bowl of their own.
Speculated by: Rapoport, The Athletic's Lindsay Jones, among others
John Spytek
Current position: Director of Player Personnel, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-pres.)
Notable previous positions: National Scout, Broncos (2014-15); Southwest Area Scout, Broncos (2013); Director of College Scouting, Cleveland Browns (2010-12); College/Pro Scout, Philadelphia Eagles (2007-09); College Scouting Assistant, Eagles (2006)
After a few years in Denver, Spytek departed to Tampa in 2016, and now "oversees the day-to-day operations of the college and pro scouting departments," according to the Buccaneers' website. As the Bucs enter the postseason for the first time since 2007, it's worth noting that Spytek played a role in luring key free agents Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Ndamukong Suh and Shaquil Barrett to Tampa.
Speculated by: Rapoport, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, among others
Thomas Dimitroff
Notable previous positions: General Manager, Atlanta Falcons (2008-20); Director of College Scouting, Patriots (2003-07); National Scout, Patriots (2002), College Scout, Browns (1998-2001); Area Scout, Detroit Lions (1994-97)
Before parting ways with him midway through the 2020 season, Dimitroff led the Falcons for more than a decade. His tenure included drafting Pro Bowl players like quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, tight end Austin Hooper, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, linebackers Vic Beasley and Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal.
Speculated by: 9NEWS' Mike Klis, The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran
Nick Caserio
Current position: Director of Player Personnel, Patriots (2008-pres.)
Notable previous positions: Wide Receivers Coach, Patriots (2007); Director of Pro Personnel, Patriots (2004-06); Area Scout (2003); Offensive Coaching Assistant, Patriots (2002); Personnel Assistant, Patriots (2001)
After 20 years with only the Patriots, could Caserio find a new home as a general manager? In addition to Denver's opening, several other teams are searching for a new GM. Given the Broncos' connections to Patriots personnel staff (see: Matt Russell), it would not be unexpected to see Caserio receive interest from the team.
Speculated by: O'Halloran