Report: Broncos Hiring LSU's Pass-Rush Specialist Coach

The Denver Broncos added to Sean Payton's coaching staff on Saturday.

While NFL analysts across the fruited plain continue to marvel at the "monster moves" the Denver Broncos are making this offseason, the work to upgrade both the coaching staff and roster continues apace. 

On Saturday, On3 Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that the Broncos are expected to hire LSU Tigers defensive line coach Jamar Cain to serve as a pass-rush specialist of sorts. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman piggybacked this statement on the news. 

"The Broncos are hiring LSU D-line coach/defensive run game coordinator Jamar Cain as a pass rush specialist coach. The 42-year-old who has coached at ASU, OU and Fresno State, among other places as he’s risen up the coaching ranks," Feldman wrote on Twitter. 

SOURCE: The Broncos are hiring LSU D-line coach/defensive run game coordinator Jamar Cain as a pass rush specialist coach. The 42-year-old who has coached at ASU, OU and Fresno State, among other places as he’s risen up the coaching ranks. @Mzenitz first reported the move.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 25, 2023

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This will be Cain's first NFL gig, but he's spent nearly 20 years coaching the collegiate ranks. His past few stops have included LSU, Oklahoma, Fresno State, Wyoming, and North Dakota State. During his time with the Sooners, Cain coached Broncos' second-year rush linebacker Nik Bonitto. 

Last year, Cain opted to follow Brian Kelly to LSU, where he served not only as D-line coach but also as defensive run game coordinator. The Tigers finished ranked in the NCAA top-20 on defense, which, on the surface, might not seem all that impressive, but when you factor in that north of 100 schools compile the rankings, the feat takes on a different complexion. 

The Broncos aren't exactly starting over on defense with Vance Joseph returning as coordinator. Joseph served as Denver's head coach from 2017-18 and runs an attacking style 3-4 scheme.

The Broncos will need to manufacture a pass rush, which is where Cain comes in. Joseph retained Marcus Dixon as D-line coach and hired Michael Wilhoite to coach the outside linebackers, so Cain will work alongside them to elevate Denver's pass rush. 

The Broncos could use Cain's expertise, as outside of Randy Gregory, the team lacks a bonafide edge-rushing presence. The addition of free-agent acquisition Zach Allen helps, as he is an inside/out pass-rushing defensive lineman, but he's not exactly of the quick-twitch variety, but rather, a hand-in-the-dirt, Derek Wolfe-type trenchman. 

As talented as Gregory is, he comes with a fair number of drawbacks. For Denver, specifically, he struggled to stay on the field last year, appearing in just six games with three starts. 

Beyond Gregory, the Broncos have a trio of young, unproven rush linebackers in Baron Browning (2021 third-round pick), Bonitto (2022 second-rounder), and Jonathon Cooper (2021 seventh). Although many expected him to be a cap casualty by now, the Broncos have retained Jacob Martin under contract. Acquired via trade last fall, Martin brings 16 career sacks to the table since entering the NFL in 2018. 

What it Means

The Broncos need all the pass-rushing expertise they can get. If hiring Cain can elevate that endeavor in the slightest, it'll provide juice well worth the squeeze. 

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