The Chargers were interested in interviewing Broncos director of player personnel Matt Russell about their general manager job.
But the Broncos said no, and Russell sort of did as well.
According to Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego, the Chargers went through the formal process of asking permission, but the Broncos denied the request.
But the Broncos’ denial may run deeper than simply not wanting to help a division rival (though that’s certainly enough of a reason).
“I’ve got the best owner in sports here [Pat Bowlen] and the best boss in John Elway,” Russell said, via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. “I want to be part of something special in the state I love.”
Russell played college football at the University of Colorado, and joined the Broncos in 2009 as their director of college scouting. Elway promoted Russell to his current role in May, when Brian Xanders was fired as general manager.
So while Elway’s title might as well be “honcho” or “el jefe,” Russell is in a position not that far from the GM-but-reporting-to-John Spanos gig in San Diego, so he might as well stay where he’s comfortable, until a job with full responsibility comes along.