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While it had first appeared that the Pittsburgh Steelers would get to hold onto Mike Munchak for at least one more season after the Denver Broncos opted to name Vic Fangio as their head coach on Wednesday, that dream took a turn for the worse on Friday when it emerged that the Broncos were still interested in him for a coaching role in 2019.
Sources: The #Broncos have notified the #Steelers of their intention to speak with respected OL coach Mike Munchak, whose contract is up. He has been in talks with Denver about a deal there. He impressed those in Denver in their HC search.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2019
With Munchak out of contract with the Steelers, he is technically a free agent and free to sign with any team, even for a position that is not an upgrade over the role he previously held in Pittsburgh.
Although unclear what job he is in contention for with the Broncos, it does not appear to be the recently vacated offensive coordinator position that became available after Gary Kubiak was fired on Friday. Most reports suggest they are interested in hiring Munchak as their offensive line coach.
Confirming Broncos and Gary Kubiak going separate ways. He will not be )-coordinator. Differences in philosophy and staffing. Also confirming Broncos hope to bring in Mike Munchak. I can report hope is Munchak as O-line coach, not O-coordinator. He does have family here. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 11, 2019
From Up to the Minute: The #Broncos won't bring back Gary Kubiak as OC after all, but #Steelers OL coach Mike Munchak has been talking to them about coming to Denver. His granddaughter would be the eventual winner. pic.twitter.com/17M0MTqhsm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2019
The fact that his granddaughter lives in the Denver region is being sold as a reason for Munchak’s intrigue in a role with the Broncos and it would be understandable if he wanted to be closer to family. However, it should be expected that Pittsburgh will make a serious push to keep him as they have done in the previous years when other teams have tried to lure him away.
I’ve been told the #Steelers are doing everything they can to keep the beloved and outstanding Mike Munchak. We’ll see if it’s enough. https://t.co/dOBT0DcXUY
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 11, 2019