NFL notes: Broncos cut ties with coach John Fox after another underachieving postseason run

John Elway is looking for a new coach after agreeing to part ways with John Fox following Denver’s latest playoff meltdown.

Fox won the AFC West all four of his years in Denver, but each of those seasons ended in ugly fashion in the playoffs, culminating with Sunday’s 24-13 upset by Indianapolis.

“It became clear that it was best for both the Denver Broncos and Coach Fox to move on and make this change,” Elway, the Broncos general manager and executive vice president, said in a statement.

So, Fox is out after going 49-22, including the playoffs.

Fox gathered his players at noon Monday but didn’t talk about his own future. Chris Harris Jr. said Fox’s message was “just that he appreciated everybody’s efforts.”

Two hours later, Elway met with Fox and told the assistant coaches they remain under contract but were free to pursue jobs with other teams.

Elway thanked Fox for helping “establish a positive, winning culture for this team” and said he “deserves a lot of credit for the Broncos’ turnaround,” but added “there is still work to be done” to win a Super Bowl.

Falcons’ search narrows

With Rex Ryan no longer an option, three defensive coordinators, including Arizona’s Todd Bowles, may lead the Atlanta Falcons’ coach search.

Atlanta is expected to conduct second interviews with Bowles and Detroit’s Teryl Austin this week. The team must wait for a follow-up meeting with Seattle DC Dan Quinn, who is off-limits this week as the Seahawks prepare for the NFC championship.

Jets interviewing Bowles

The New York Jets have scheduled a second interview with Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for their head coaching job. They are also meeting with Panthers DC Sean McDermott this week.