As Fangio enters his first season as head coach, though, don't expect him to rely too heavily on any member of his staff or their experiences.

In part, this attitude comes from his time in Chicago. When Bears coach Matt Nagy got to Chicago ahead of last season, he told Fangio he'd rely on his experience often. But Fangio said Nagy only asked for advice a few times.

And Fangio, who seemed confident in his own coaching abilities, said he's likely to follow Nagy's example.

"He leaned on me two or three times," Fangio said. "Whoever we have on the staff and their experiences, if I have to lean on them more than a few times, then I'm in trouble."

Instead, in his first year as head coach, Fangio should be able to rely on his own gut to guide the defense.

In Chicago, he did so in quick fashion. When he arrived in 2015, the Bears were coming off a season in which they were ranked 30th in total defense and 31st in points allowed. In the unit's first season with Fangio, it jumped to 14th in total defense and 20th in points allowed.

The defense continued its climb over the next two years and ended the 2018 season ranked first in points allowed and third in total defense.

He could make a similar impact in Denver given his individualistic approach.

And though he's a defensive-minded head coach, Elway thinks Fangio will be able to help spur offensive innovation, as well. Because he's so well-versed on defense, Fangio has a sense of what makes defenses uncomfortable. And that's helpful to an offense.

"You have great defensive coordinators that are able to talk to an offensive staff and say, 'Well, that gives us problems, that gives us problems, that gives us problems,'" Elway said. "So, I'm sure Vic will be in the middle of those offensive meetings too because of the fact."

As Year 1 begins, Fangio will move forward knowing well of the Broncos' winning tradition.

He spoke candidly Thursday about Denver's many Super Bowl appearances — and the city's desire for another.