The Broncos have promoted linebackers coach Don "Wink" Martindale to defensive coordinator. He replaces Mike Nolan, who left the Broncos on Jan. 18 because of differences with head coach Josh McDaniels. "Wink definitely deserves this," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels told The Denver Post. "He's earned this opportunity. Our system won't change, our philosophy won't change. He's a very aggressive coach. This is a great day for the Denver Broncos." Denver's defense was ranked No. 7 in the NFL under Nolan.

Brandon Marshall is expected to be traded soon after March 5th, but he was quiet about that possibility when asked after a Pro Bowl practice. "I'm not talking," he said. "I've had enough publicity." Josh McDaniels benched Marshall before the final game of the season.

The Broncos have hired former Bills assistant Eric Studesville as their running backs coach. He replaces longtime assistant Bobby Turner, who has rejoined Mike Shanahan in Washington. Bob Ligashesky is the tight ends coach, replacing Clancy Barone, who moves to offensive line coach. Bob Wylie was made Barone's assistant, and Ben McDaniels -- coach Josh McDaniels' brother -- was promoted to quarterbacks coach.

With Mike Shanahan officially in Washington, the Redskins could be a potential home for wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008 and Marshall had the best seasons of his career under the head coach. Marshall has long been disgruntled in Denver.

The Dolphins hired Mike Nolan on Tuesday as their new defensive coordinator, less than 24 hours after the announcement he was leaving the Broncos after one season, according to an Associated Press report. Nolan replaces Paul Pasqualoni, fired after the Miami defense backslid in his second season.

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and the Broncos have agreed to part ways, and a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton that Nolan is close to an agreement to take on the same role with the Miami Dolphins. Before the split, Miami sent in a request for permission to interview Nolan, sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The parting was friendly and gave Nolan a chance to move on and talk to the Dolphins, the source told Clayton. The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and have struggled to find a quick replacement.

The 49ers will play the Broncos next season at Wembley Stadium, the fourth straight year the NFL will stage a regular-season game in the British capital. The 49ers will be listed as the home team for the Oct. 31 game. ?For the past three years we have seen the extraordinary passion that exists for NFL football in the U.K.,? commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. ?We want to continue to build on that passion by strengthening our ties to our existing U.K. fans and creating new ones.?

Broncos coach Josh Daniels decided to bench wide receiver Brandon Marshall in Week 17 for being late to a scheduled therapy session. Marshall was scheduled for treatment of a hamstring injury the team already believed he was exaggerating, according to multiple team sources. Denver sent Marshall for an MRI on his hamstring after he complained of the injury during Wednesday's practice. According to sources, the test indicated that Marshall's hamstring was healthy.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels earned headlines for his decision to bench wide receiver Brandon Marshall this week. However, Marshall isn't the only starter headed to the bench. McDaniels is benching tight end Tony Scheffler against the Chiefs for a non-injury-related reason. "I'm a competitor and have worked extremely hard this offseason to be able to fight for a chance to make the playoffs," Scheffler said. "Him taking that away doesn't sit very well with me or some of my teammates." Scheffler has been frustrated by his reduced role this season.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says he's benching wide receiver Brandon Marshall for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. "Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," McDaniels said. "... And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them." Marshall suggested he couldn't have played anyway after pulling his right hamstring at practice this week.