GOODMAN CLIMBING BRONCOS’ SCOUTING LADDER

Denver Broncos vice president of football operations/player personnel Jim Goodman has emerged as the team’s de facto General Manager in terms of authority even if he doesn’t hold the formal title, the Denver Post reports. Described in the article as a gregarious good ol’ boy from the South that “aw-shucked” his way through the scouting ranks, Goodman, 55, will have final say in personnel matters. During the press conference to introduce new head coach Josh McDaniels, it was revealed that Goodman has the power to make the final call if he and McDaniels have a disagreement. “Hopefully, there’s not many of those, but Jim would make the call if there’s an issue in terms of personnel,” McDaniels said. Goodman will have help from two assistant general managers. Brian Xanders will be the primary contract negotiator and assist in player evaluation. And Jeff Goodman, 30, Jim Goodman’s son, will specialize in evaluating talent. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said he’s satisfied with the structure of the Broncos’ scouting department and front office and has no plans to hire anyone else to run the show. “I think we have all the talent we need in that area,” Bowlen said. Jim Goodman said he prefers not to be described as the General Manager. “Don’t use that term,” Goodman said. “I don’t know what the big hangup is with that term.” According to his official biography, Goodman is a former director of college scouting and area scout who worked in the Southern region. He was originally hired in 1998 after working as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Rice University. Goodman is a former head coach at Valdosta State (Ga.), where he coached former Atlanta Falcons All-Pro linebacker Jesse Tuggle.