Jan. 13--A day after the Denver Broncos announced Coach John Fox and the team had mutually parted ways, John Elway, executive vice president of football operations and general manager, highlighted some of the reasons behind the decision.
Speaking during a news conference Tuesday, Elway said he was disappointed with how the team finished the last two seasons and that he and Fox did not share the same vision for the future.
"Two years in a row, it didn't feel like we went out kicking and screaming," Elway said. "The main thing with John and I was that we disagreed on how to get to the next level."
The Broncos won four AFC West titles during Fox's four years with the Broncos, but the team's regular-season success did not translate into a Super Bowl victory. Last year's crushing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII coupled with Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in AFC divisional playoffs did not mesh with Elway's plans.
"There is no Plan B. Plan A is still the same -- to win a world championship," he said. "If we had won the Super Bowl, this probably would not have happened."
Elway gave a firm "I do" when asked if he believed Peyton Manning would be part of the team's next step. Elway said he talked with Manning on Monday, but did not press him on his future plans. He said he will meet with his quarterback again in about a month.
Elway said he hasn't contacted anyone yet about the team's coaching vacancy.
