Broncos schedule head coach interviews

DENVER, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The Denver Broncos are acting quickly in the search for a new head coach for the NFL franchise, setting up three candidate interviews, the team's owner says.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen appears to be honoring his promise for a quick resolution to his team's coaching dilemma in the new year as the Broncos have set up interviews with three NFL assistants, the Rocky Mountain News said Friday.

The assistant coaches being brought in for talks are New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The franchise has also begun taking steps to speak with University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops regarding its head coaching vacancy, the News said.

Longtime Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was fired following the end of the 2008 season after the Broncos failed to make the NFL playoffs.

"This job ... this is a very highly thought-of job and I expect to get a very good head coach.. . I want him to be a 10 in every area," Bowlen said Wednesday of his team's ongoing search.