Since the day John Fox was hired to replace Josh McDaniels as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the future of 2010 first-round pick and former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has been up in the air.

While most believe – for better or for worse – Tebow should be the hands-down starter whenever the 2011 season begins, there have been plenty of questions about what Fox and new team president John Elway will do with Denver’s quarterback situation.

Both Fox and Elway have made comments that would lead one to believe Tebow will start second on the depth chart behind veteran Kyle Orton; each has also indicated that they completely support Tebow and think he could wind up being the starter this season.

Speaking on his podcast over the weekend, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche believes the decision has already been made up in Mile High.

“I’ve talked to enough people plugged into the situation there to comfortably say that unless Tim Tebow gets hurt in training camp or is absolutely awful, the starting job is his to lose,” Wyche announced.

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, a guest on Wyche’s show who also served as a scout for four years under Fox with Carolina, repeated on the show information he shared in a column early last week.

“If history serves as an indicator of what Fox will do at quarterback, then the high value of Tebow’s intangible qualities puts him at the front of the line,” Brooks wrote. “As an old-school, defensive-minded coach, Fox views quarterback play through a different prism. He has a preference for smart and tough player, rather than a flame-thrower with outstanding physical tools.

“Fox is intent on restoring the winning tradition in Denver but has been reluctant to name the quarterback that will blaze the path. If he stays to his traditional approach, there is no doubt his choice will be Tebow.”

With the NFL’s lockout appearing to be winding down and training camp likely getting underway soon, Tebow’s opportunity to take control of the huddle and lead the Broncos from behind center is approaching.