Broncos general manager John Elway announced Monday he is transitioning to the role of president of football operations and will lead the search for a general manager who will have final say on personnel. A list of potential candidates (alphabetical order):
Nick Caserio
Steven Senne, The Associated Press
New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio faces reporters before an NFL football training camp practice at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, July 27, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass.
Current role: New England player of personnel
A 20-year member of the Patriots’ organization who just completed his 18th season in the team’s personnel department, Caserio has held his current title since 2008. He worked as the pro personnel director from 2004-06 before moving over to the coaching side for three years (receivers).
Thomas Dimitroff
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Thomas Dimitroff, general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 1, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Current role: Was fired as the Atlanta Falcons’ general manager on Oct. 11.
If the Broncos want the new general manager to have previous experience, Dimitroff could be at or near the top of their list. A long-time scout in Detroit, Cleveland and New England, Dimitroff was the Falcons’ general manager from 2008-20 and responsible for drafting quarterback Matt Ryan.
Champ Kelly
AP Photo
This is a 2019 photo of Champ Kelly of the Chicago Bears NFL football team. This image reflects the Chicago Bears active roster as of Thursday, May 2, 2019 when this image was taken.
Current role: Chicago assistant director of player personnel
Kelly checks two boxes that could be important — experience with the Broncos and familiarity with coach Vic Fangio. Kelly worked for the Broncos from 2007-14, rising from college scout to assistant pro/college scouting coordinator and assistant pro personnel director.
Martin Mayhew
Duane Burleson, Getty Images
General Manager Martin Mayhew of the Detroit Lions introduces Jim Caldwell as the Lions head coach during a news conference at Ford Field on Jan. 15, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan.
Current role: San Francisco vice president of player personnel
A former player for Washington and Tampa Bay, Mayhew moved into personnel five years after his retirement. He worked in Detroit from 2001-15, the last eight as general manager. He was with the New York Giants in ’16 and with the 49ers the last four years.
Adam Peters
Current role: San Francisco vice president of player personnel
Peters started his NFL career with New England (2003-08), the first two as a scouting assistant and then advancing to area scout. Peters joined the Broncos in 2009 as a regional scout before moving up to national scout (2011-13), assistant director of college scouting (2014-15) and director of college scouting (2016).
Jerry Reese
Al Bello, Getty Images
Senior Vice President and General Manager Jerry Reese of the New York Giants celebrates after the Giants won 21-17 against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Current role: Has not been associated with a team since leaving the New York Giants in 2017.
Reese worked for the Giants from 1994-2017, rising from college scout to pro scout to director of player personnel to an 11-year stint as general manager, during which time the Giants won two Super Bowls.
Rick Smith
Scott Halleran, Getty Images
Houston Texans General Manager Rick Smith smiles before the Texans play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Jan. 3, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Current role: Has not been associated with a team since leaving the Houston Texans in 2017.
Another candidate with ties to the Broncos. He was the team’s assistant defensive backs coach from 1996-99 before moving into the front office as director of pro personnel from 2000-05. The Texans hired him as general manager in 2006 and he served 12 years in that role, including the final six as GM/executive vice president of football operations.
John Spytek
AP Photo
This is a photo of John Spytek of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football team. This image reflects the Tampa Bay Buccaneers active roster as of Monday, June 12, 2017.
Current role: Tampa Bay director of player personnel
Spytek worked for the Broncos from 2013-15 as the Southwest area scout (’13) and a national scout (’14-15). He is in his fifth year with Tampa Bay and oversees the team’s day-to-day operations of the pro and college scouting departments. Spytek has also worked for Philadelphia and Cleveland.
Dave Ziegler
Current role: New England assistant director of player personnel
Ziegler completed his eighth season in the Patriots’ scouting department and his first as assistant director of player personnel. He served four years as director of pro personnel and three as director of pro scouting. Prior to the Patriots, he worked three years for the Broncos.
