Peyton Manning is mulling his future in the NFL while the Denver Broncos are searching for a new head coach to replace the recently “mutually-separated” John Fox.

John Fox and @johnelway went separate ways in agreement: change necessary. ELWAY EXPLAINS: [http://t.co/15iiREM3zY] pic.twitter.com/w5WlYF7LLW

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 14, 2015

There are differing opinions on whether or not Manning should continue playing. There’s no doubt he recovered from his neck surgeries several years ago that led to the Indianapolis Colts parting ways with the future hall of fame quarterback. This was evidenced in his three-year run with the Broncos one of which saw Manning post the most passing yards and TD’s in a single season by an NFL QB.

However, the last five games of the 2014 regular season were not typical of Manning – statistically speaking. The Broncos went 6-2 but Manning’s passing yards and TD’s were down and his INT’s were up in that span. Then there was the playoff game against the Colts at home. Manning threw for 211 yards with 1 TD and the Broncos lost 23-13.

John Elway spoke about teams needing to “peak” at the right time – Manning and the Broncos didn’t do that.

The Broncos playoff loss to the Colts was Manning’s 2nd one-and-done in the playoffs in three seasons with the Broncos making his total nine overall. The question looms like a dark, grey cloud – did the Broncos lose because they weren’t Superbowl material or was this another Manning-meltdown?

John Elway believes this team was built to win it all. The release of John Fox further complicates matters because now there’s all kinds of things to consider regarding Peyton Manning returning for the 2015 season. The infamous quad injury should heal, his body will recover from the grueling punishment the NFL season brings. But does he want to go through another head coach and possibly offensive coordinator this late in his career?

Was John Elway’s cleaning of the house a way to force Peyton Manning into retirement? I don’t know, just asking.

Peyton Manning’s playoff struggles have long been a debate among NFL pundits and fans. Manning holds the record for most playoff losses (13). But, Manning is also only 2,147 yards shy of passing Brett Favre (71,838) for the most passing yards in the regular season and that could, perhaps, be the biggest reason he will return and play at least another year.