Dan Quinn leads in betting odds for next Broncos head coach

Dan Quinn, currently the Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is by far the most likely to take over as head coach for the Denver Broncos after CEO Greg Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett on Monday, according to betting odds offered by BetUS Sportsbook that were released this week.  

According to betting odds released by BetUS on Thursday, Quinn leads the pack of possible candidates for the next head coach at Denver with odds of –110, which would imply a more than 50% probability of Quinn landing the job, far ahead of the second most likely candidate, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, which BetUS has posted at +400 odds to land the job. 

Quinn is one of the hotter names on the coaching carousel because he is a veteran coach with head coaching experience which includes a Super Bowl appearance. He might also help with the culture of the Broncos and bring some stability back to their locker room.  Since joining the Cowboys, Quinn’s efforts to transform the team’s defense have been a notable success. 

At Dallas, Quinn works with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer who was on the coaching staff in Seattle during current Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson’s time as a Seahawk. Schottenheimer and Wilson jived well while at Seattle, and Quinn could potentially bring Schottenheimer with him should he join the Broncos.  

Quinn is also well known to Bronco's general manager George Paton. Last year, before the Broncos settled on Hackett, Quinn seemed like the favorite for the head coaching position.  With Hackett out, the question remains if Quinn and Bronco’s CEO and co-owner, Greg Penner can finally come to a deal.  

But Quinn isn’t the only coaching talent that the Broncos have their eyes on. Rounding out the top 5 candidates for the job are Eric Bieniemy (+400), Jim Harbaugh (+450), Sean Payton (+500), and Kellen Moore (+600).  

Eric Bieniemy (+400 at BetUS) is the Chief’s offensive coordinator. He is 53 and the only NFL OC that Patrick Mahomes has ever played for. The time could finally be right for Bieniemy to get a team of his own. 

Jim Harbaugh (+450 at BetUS) is the current undefeated head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. He interviewed with the Vikings last year and has been connected to the Colts opening this time around too. Given his work with QBs, he could be just what is needed to revive Russell Wilson’s career. 

Sean Payton (+500 at BetUS) is the former Saint’s head coach. The 58-year-old went 152-89 in 15 years with New Orleans, winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The Saints own his rights still, so any interested team would need to trade for him, but it does sound like he is available. 

Kellen Moore (+600 at BetUS) is the Cowboy’s offensive coordinator. At just 33 years old, Moore is the type of young mind that franchises like to take chances on. In just his first year as the Cowboys' OC under Jason Garrett, no team gained more yards than the Cowboys 

“Believe it or not, betting on coaching positions, in particular for head coach, is one of the most popular ‘prop bets’ we offer. Customers love it,” says Barry Barger, senior betting analyst for BetUS. 

For his part, Barger thinks that any one of these candidates would be an upgrade to Hackett, but his money is on Bieniemy. “I don't think Sean Payton is ready for the Russell Wilson mess. Dan Quinn can probably choose where he wants to go, and it probably isn't Denver. Eric Bieniemy makes the most sense to turn around this horrific offense and getting paid 4x my bet (at +400 odds) on Bieniemy sounds like a fantastic bet to me,” Barger says.  

Hackett is the third coach to fall this season, after Matt Rhule and Frank Reich were fired by the Panthers and Colts, respectively.