Denver can also offer a new head coach control over personnel, or the Broncos could hire a general manager and split the duties. Shanahan had final say over all personnel.

COACHING CAROUSEL: After Mike Shanahan's dismissal, the entire staff will have to be evaluated by the new head coach. Shanahan gave coordinator Bob Slowik a vote of confidence after the season, but that means little now. Slowik presided over a defense that ranked 29th in the NFL this season.

Jeremy Bates, the team's primary offensive play-caller, is young and has a good working relationship with QB Jay Cutler. He is well thought of in the organization and seems to be a good bet to stay on the staff. The Broncos finished second in the NFL in total offense in 2008.

FREE AGENT UPDATE: The Broncos took care of their biggest potential free agent in September, locking up LB D.J. Williams to a long-term deal. The team doesn't have many other pressing issues among its own free agents. C Tom Nalen is another big-name free agent because of his long career with the team, but he is unlikely to return after missing 2008 with a knee injury. LB Nate Webster, the starter in the middle this season, is another free agent.

FEELING A DRAFT: The Broncos have the 12th pick in the draft. It would be a shock if they selected an offensive player with that pick. Their young offense is pretty much set, but the defense needs work. If a top defensive end or tackle falls to them, it would make for an easy pick. A playmaking safety could also be the choice in the first round.

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive end: The Broncos drafted Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder in the first two rounds of the 2006 draft, but because neither has become a star, Denver still has a need there.

Defensive tackle: There is very little depth inside, which was a reason the run defense was so porous.

Safety: The Broncos found an intriguing prospect, Josh Barrett, late in the season, but they are still very thin at the position and have to add someone.

MEDICAL WATCH: RB Michael Pittman said he has recovered from a neck injury that sidelined him for the second half of the season. He was on a one-year contract and wants to return to Denver.

RB Peyton Hillis had a torn hamstring but should be recovered in time to participate fully in all offseason activities.

RB Selvin Young had a ruptured disk in his neck, and he will know sometime in January if he needs surgery.

RB Ryan Torain tore his ACL in early November. He should be back for training camp, but the Broncos will have to be cautious with the oft-injured back.

LB Boss Bailey had microfracture surgery on his knee. The Broncos are confident he will return at full speed, but his situation will bear watching in the offseason.