After more than two decades as one of the most recognizable faces on Fox NFL Sunday, Howie Long has announced his departure from the network to pursue a new chapter in his football career. The Hall of Fame defensive end is trading in his analyst’s microphone for a coaching headset, joining the Denver Broncos as an assistant coach. For Long, the decision marks a full-circle moment—a return to the grass, the locker room, and the daily grind of shaping a team’s success from the inside.
Long’s tenure at Fox made him a household name, even among younger fans who never saw him dominate offensive lines during his playing days with the Los Angeles Raiders. His insightful breakdowns, charismatic presence, and effortless chemistry with Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, and Curt Menefee turned Fox NFL Sunday into must-watch television. Yet, despite the comfort and prestige of his role, Long has long harbored a quiet desire to return to the field—not as a player, but as a mentor, teacher, and strategist.
In an emotional farewell segment, Long reflected on his time at Fox, expressing gratitude to the network, his colleagues, and the viewers who welcomed him into their homes every Sunday. “This wasn’t an easy decision,” Long admitted. “I’ve loved every minute of my time here, breaking down the game, laughing with this incredible team, and being part of the best pregame show in sports. But there’s something inside me that’s always pulled me back to the field. I miss the smell of the grass, the sound of the pads cracking, and the chance to make a direct impact on the game I love.”
The Denver Broncos, a franchise with a storied defensive tradition, emerged as the perfect fit for Long’s next step. Head Coach Sean Payton, known for his ability to assemble top-tier coaching staffs, reportedly reached out to Long earlier this offseason to gauge his interest in a hands-on role. The two shared a vision for revitalizing Denver’s defense, which has struggled to recapture its dominant form since the retirement of legends like Von Miller and the departure of key contributors.
Long’s hiring is a coup for the Broncos, bringing in a figure whose football IQ and leadership are matched only by his passion for teaching. Though he has never held an official coaching position in the NFL, Long’s post-playing career has been defined by his ability to dissect and explain the nuances of the game. His work at Fox wasn’t just entertainment—it was a masterclass in defensive philosophy, technique, and situational awareness. Players and coaches alike have long praised his ability to break down complex schemes into digestible lessons, a skill that will serve him well in Denver.
The move also represents a broader trend of former players—particularly those with extensive media experience—transitioning back into coaching roles. Long’s former colleague, Tony Romo, has been frequently linked to coaching opportunities, while others like Jason Garrett and Dan Orlovsky have straddled the line between analyst and coach. For Long, the allure of coaching was never about ego or title; it was about the chance to mold young talent and contribute to a team’s success in a tangible way.
Broncos players are already buzzing about the addition of Long to the staff. “Having a guy like Howie Long in the building is huge,” said All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II. “He’s been where we want to go, he knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and he’s spent years studying the game from every angle. You can’t put a price on that kind of knowledge.”
Long’s role will reportedly focus on defensive line development, an area where the Broncos have invested heavily in recent drafts. Players like Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and rising star Eyioma Uwazurike stand to benefit from Long’s expertise, particularly in refining their pass-rush techniques and run-stopping discipline. Long’s own career—featuring 91.5 sacks, eight Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl XVIII title—gives him instant credibility in the locker room.
Yet, the transition from analyst to coach won’t be without challenges. Long acknowledged that the hours will be longer, the scrutiny more intense, and the emotional investment far greater than anything he experienced in the broadcast booth. “When you’re on TV, you’re observing,” he said. “When you’re coaching, you’re living it. Every rep, every meeting, every game—it’s personal. But that’s what excites me. I’m ready to pour everything I have into this.”
For Fox, Long’s departure leaves a significant void. His chemistry with Bradshaw and Johnson was the backbone of the show, blending humor, insight, and genuine camaraderie. Replacing him won’t be easy, but the network has a deep bench of former players and analysts who could step into the role. Names like Michael Strahan, Richard Sherman, and even recently retired stars like J.J. Watt have been floated as potential successors.
As for Long, his legacy at Fox is secure. He helped redefine NFL pregame coverage, bringing a player’s perspective combined with a broadcaster’s polish. Now, he’s trading the studio lights for the film room, the suit and tie for a Broncos hoodie, and the analyst’s chair for a spot on the sideline.
The Denver Broncos are getting more than just a Hall of Famer—they’re getting a man who has spent the last 20 years studying the game from every angle, waiting for the right moment to step back in. Howie Long’s return to football isn’t just a career move; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong passion. And if his track record is any indication, the Broncos’ defense is about to get a whole lot scarier.
