DENVER -- Broncos coach Mike Shanahan turned to an old friend to replace longtime assistant Gary Kubiak on his coaching staff. Shanahan hired former New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger as assistant head coach and promoted offensive line coach Rick Dennison to offensive coordinator on Monday. The moves come after Kubiak was hired last week as coach of the Houston Texans, and Heimerdinger was freed from his contract with the Jets. "I'm excited to come back. I know everybody on staff and in the administration," Heimerdinger said as he stepped off the plane in Denver. He said his duties were still being formulated, "but I would assume I'll assist Mike in the passing game" with Dennison primarily directing the running game.