While the Denver Broncos' dismissal of Rich Scangarello may have been greeted with unanimous affirmation, the fans’ reception to Vic Fangio's choice of Pat Shurmur as the team’s new offensive coordinator could be described as either lukewarm or downright doubtful.

The fans can’t be faulted as the Broncos had to endure another lost season. We saw a glimmer of hope in December after a Drew Luck-led uprising notched the team four wins in five games. The not-so-surprising firing of Scangarello, however, sows doubt even to the most loyal fanatics as the franchise has now changed playbooks five times in the last five years with hopes of a return to the playoffs.

After winning the Super Bowl in 2015, the Broncos have regressed to mediocrity – recording a dismal 27-37 record in the last four seasons.

Broncos legend and current GM John Elway is a lot more positive with the franchise’s direction.

Appearing for the first time since the Shurmur hiring, Elway expressed his belief that the former Giants OC will be a good fit for the Broncos. The former QB also hinted that Shurmur’s extensive experience in play-calling, as well as the success he had with his former teams, makes him the right choice to fix a Broncos offense that had been described by critics as stagnant and uncreative.

Shurmur has some pieces in place to begin the turnaround. Drew Lock, with one season of experience under his belt, will be back. The same with fullback Andy Janovich, who after signing three-year, $5.7 million contract extension, suffered a gruesome injury in Week 11 and was ruled out the rest of the season.

In a report from The Denver Post, Elway couldn’t hide his excitement with Shurmur running the show and the possible schemes he could implement with Denver’s personnel.

“The good thing is that Pat’s been around. He’s got so much experience. He’ll do a good job taking advantage of what we have.”

The Broncos enter the offseason with the No. 15 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.