Monday 12 January 2015 23:25, UK
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox has left the team just a day after the season-ending play-off defeat to the Indianapolis Colts.
Fox led Denver to four straight AFC West titles after taking charge of the team in 2011, but the Broncos repeatedly struggled in the post-season, losing last year's Super Bowl 43-8 to the Seattle Seahawks while falling in the second round in the other three years.
They were well below-par on Sunday night, losing 24-13 to the Colts, with legendary quarterback Peyton Manning refusing to rule out his retirement following the defeat.
Broncos General Manager John Elway said in a statement that he and Fox met for over an hour on Monday to discuss the latest season and goals for the future when it became clear that the timing was right to make a change.
"While we have made significant progress under coach Fox, there is still work to be done," said Elway.
"I believe this change at the head coaching position will be in the best interest of our long-term goal, which from day one has been to win World Championships."
Fox leaves Denver with a 49-22 record after going 73-71 in nine years with the Carolina Panthers.
