Broncos coach John Fox hopes to return before end of season

John Fox has a 102-83 record in 12 seasons as a NFL coach with Denver and Carolina. (Tim Rasmussen/Getty Images) Denver Broncos head coach John Fox said

John Fox has a 102-83 record in 12 seasons as a NFL coach with Denver and Carolina. (Tim Rasmussen/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos head coach John Fox said Tuesday that he hopes to return to the sidelines by the end of the year.

Fox talked to the media just eight days after having aortic heart valve replacement surgery, and said he was  "very, very healthy" after spending four days in the hospital due to the procedure.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was named interim coach until Fox is healthy enough to return to coaching. The Broncos won their first game without Fox, a 28-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

"My goal and dream is obviously to be there before the conclusion of this season,''

Fox said on a conference call Tuesday.

"I feel good,'' Fox said as he thanked people for all of the well-wishes and help he had received over the last 10 days, including " … all the fans out there, obviously the Broncos organization to allow me this time to get my health back, and the process is going very well … and first and foremost my wife, Robin.''

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