Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and the Broncos have agreed to part ways after only one season together, NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi confirmed Monday through a league source.

Nolan later shared the news with The Denver Post, saying, “I can’t say anything other than Josh (McDaniels, the Broncos’ head coach) and I mutually agreed to part ways.”

Nolan’s Denver defense ranked seventh overall in the NFL, allowing just 315 yards per game, but it was 26th against the run (128.7 ypg). It ranked third against the pass (186.3 ypg).

The Broncos (8-8) lost eight of their last 10 games to miss the playoffs this season.

Nolan joined McDaniels’ first Broncos staff last January, just months after he was fired as the 49ers’ coach halfway through the 2008 season. Nolan previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Ravens, Jets, Redskins and Giants.

UPDATE: There’s a very good chance that Nolan will become the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, a league source told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora. The Dolphins were one of the teams interested in Nolan while he was with Denver, according to the source. Also, Dolphins executive Bill Parcells is a 3-4 defense guy, and Nolan is scheduled to quickly interview with the team.

UPDATE II: The Broncos intend to interview outside candidates for their defensive coordinator position rather than promote from within, La Canfora reports, citing a source. Dean Pees, who has strong ties to McDaniels from their New England days and decided not to seek a new contract from the Patriots, is a favorite to land the position.

Posted in: News  | comments  |