Broncos Hire George Paton as General Manager

The Broncos made their decision on who will succeed John Elway as GM.

The Denver Broncos deliberated and ultimately decided to hire George Paton as the next general manager. ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news and the Broncos have since announced it. 

Paton, one of five candidates the Broncos interviewed, flew to Denver on Tuesday to interview in-person. The other candidate to garner a second interview as New Orleans' Terry Fontenot but his could only be done via Zoom. When Paton hopped on a plane and flew back to Minnesota Tuesday evening, some wondered what it meant for his candidacy. 

But, at bottom, the man who was there, in the flesh, always has the advantage and in the case of Paton, all the reports about him being the odds-on favorite to win the job were right on the money. 

So, who is Paton? 

He's been the Minnesota Vikings' vice president of player personnel/assistant GM. Paton worked with Vikings GM Rick Spielman hand-in-glove for the last 14 years. 

Paton was easily the most qualified candidate the Broncos interviewed. John Elway released a statement explaining why Paton was the ultimate decision. 

"Early in this process, it became clear why George has been such a coveted GM candidate for so many years," Elway, President of Football Operations, said. "He is a proven evaluator who knows every detail of leading football operations. With his experience in all aspects of the job—the college and pro sides, salary cap, trades, working with the head coach and bringing the staff together—George is more than ready to succeed in this role. George has waited and worked for the right opportunity, which shows that he is smart and serious about winning. We're thrilled to name George Paton as general manager of the Denver Broncos."

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OFFICIAL: We’ve agreed to terms with George Paton to become our new general manager.

📰 » https://t.co/bMi47CfiO7 pic.twitter.com/qdFfocVDOM

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

Paton impressed the heck out of CEO Joe Ellis, whom many theorize was the deciding voice in the hire. 

"Getting to know George over the last week, his intelligence, work ethic and leadership skills impressed all of us," Ellis said. "He has worked nearly 25 years in the NFL to prepare for this challenge, and we are very fortunate to have George as our new general manager. We're excited to welcome George, his wife Barbara and his children Bella and Beau to the Broncos family."

Paton released a statement that should make the hair on the neck of every Broncos fan stand up. 

"It is an honor to be named General Manager of an iconic franchise with a championship tradition like the Denver Broncos," Paton said via team statement. "This organization has great resources, tremendous people, a talented young core of players and an outstanding coaching staff.

"In many ways, I feel like this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it is the right place and the right time for this opportunity.

"Throughout this process, I felt a real connection with Joe, John and Vic. It feels like home. We share the same values on winning and doing things the right way.

"While it is difficult to leave the Vikings, the relationships I enjoyed in Minnesota are for life. I am truly grateful for the Wilf family, Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski, Mike Zimmer and the entire Vikings organization. Thank you for treating us like family.

"I believe in hard work, the grind and not taking any shortcuts to achieve our goals. Drafting and developing players is the No. 1 priority. We will be aggressive—but not reckless—in adding talent to our roster.

"Our family has heard nothing but great things about Colorado, especially the passionate fans in Broncos Country. Along with my wife Barbara and children Bella and Beau, we are proud to now call Denver our home.

"I can't wait to get to work. Go Broncos!"

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.