— Regrets? John Fox has at least one.

Fox was watching game tape last week while also talking to NFL.com reporter Jeff Darlington about how well Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow operates the read-option offense. To further his point, Fox uttered a statement he would late regret. “”If we were trying to run a regular offense,” Fox said, “”he’d be screwed.”

Because of Tebow’s nationwide popularity, the comment, which was largely viewed as brutally honest, went viral on the Internet, became the conversation subject of radio talk shows, and was scrolled repeatedly on the bottom of NFL Network and ESPN programming.

“”I screwed up,” Fox said today following his day-after-game news conference. “”What bothers me about that is I love Tim Tebow. How can you not? I’m his biggest fan.”

Fox said it was the first time in his 23-year NFL career as assistant and head coach he permitted an interview while watching game tape. He further explained that his passion escalates when it comes to game film. And the film that was playing in his office just happened to be the game against the Detroit Lions, who were in the process of licking Fox’s Broncos, 45-10.

Now that game day is finished this week with the Broncos defeating the New York Jets, 17-13, Thursday night, thanks in large part to Tebow’s final-minute heroics, Fox had time to reflect on last week’s controversy.

“”It’s my fault,” Fox said. “”What bothers me about that quote is I love the guy. All I was talking about was how this is a different way to run the ball. Everybody wants to put a name on it. All we’re doing is tweaking the running game so we match up with what Tim does well. And I’m telling you, he’s getting better as a passer. He is improving.

“”But that was one time where I lost sleep over it. I don’t ever lose sleep over things like this, but I felt terrible about it. We were 1-4 and now we’re 5-5. Believe me, I’m Tim Tebow’s biggest fan.”

Mike Klis: mklis@denverpost.com and twitter@mikeklis