ENGLEWOOD, COLO. (AP) -- For the last six seasons, the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator job has been the hottest seat in the NFL.

Six men have now filled the musical chair in the last six years: Larry Coyer (2006), Jim Bates (2007), Bob Slowik (2008), Mike Nolan (2009), Don Martindale (2010) and now, Dennis Allen.

The 39-year-old had no OTAs in which to teach his schemes and then watched one star after another get hurt in training camp and the regular season.

Yet, Denver's defense has gone from dismal to dominant. It's the key ingredient in all those Tim Tebow-engineered comebacks and the biggest reason the Broncos (6-5) are relevant again in the AFC West.

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