Denver Broncos Rumors: John Fox Could Be Out The Door After Playoff Collapse

The Denver Broncos once again fell short of a Super Bowl in the Peyton Manning era, and this time it could lead to an exit for coach John Fox.

On Sunday, the Broncos were easily handled by Andrew Luck and the Colts, losing 24-13 at home. The Broncos sputtered on offense, with Manning finishing just 26 of 46 for 111 yards with one TD and no interceptions.

After the loss, Peyton Manning wavered on whether he would be back next year. Earlier this season, Manning had said he would definitely be back for the 2015 season, but now doesn’t sound so sure.

Asked if he planned to play next year, Manning replied, “Uh, yeah, I guess I just can’t give that simple answer, I’m processing it. So, I can’t say that. I could not say that.”

But Peyton Manning isn’t the only one rumored to be leaving the Denver Broncos. The team reportedly plans to make coach John Fox, who has led the team to four straight AFC West titles, available to other teams.

Fox has already taken the blame for Sunday’s loss.

“I’m the head coach, the buck stops here,” Fox said.

This is now the third straight year that the Broncos have fallen short of expectations. In Peyton Manning’s first year with the team, the Broncos were upset by the Ravens at home, and last year the offensive juggernaut was shut down by Seattle in the Super Bowl.

With this year’s loss, John Fox has failed to reach the AFC Title Game in two of three years with Manning at the helm.

Even before the game, rumors began circulating that John Fox could be out the door if the Broncos lost again.

@JayGlazer reports #Broncos coach John Fox might be available if team loses. Pretty good chance.

— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) January 11, 2015

The Broncos fueled more rumors after the game. when Fox wasn’t made available for media in end-of-season interviews, but the Broncos coach said he isn’t looking too much into the rumors.

“I’ve seen all kind of reports in the past, I’m sure I’ll see some moving forward. I don’t make those decisions, I don’t control that,” Fox told reporters after the game. “My intentions are to be a Denver Bronco and have been since I got here. It’s not about me; it’s about this football team.”

There are conflicting reports on what the Denver Broncos plan to do with John Fox, however. Others indicate that he will not be available for other teams, and will be back in Denver next year.

[Image via Huffington Post]