After starting the 2017 season with a win-loss record of 3-1, the Broncos lost their next six games and managed just 85 points. During that stretch, Denver was shut out in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers and failed to top 20 points in seven games out of eight. Consequently, the day after its 20-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on November 19, the team announced it had fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. He was replaced on an interim basis with quarterback coach and former Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.
The six-game losing streak was Denver's worst in over 20 years, and there was reported frustration with McCoy's expansive and complicated offensive playbook. McCoy was in his second stint with the Broncos after spending four seasons as head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He had previously spent four seasons as offensive coordinator with the Broncos from 2009 to 2012.