The Denver Broncos' executive vice-president of football operations, John Elway, has given his backing to interim head coach Jack Del Rio.

Del Rio will take control of the team for the foreseeable future after usual head coach John Fox underwent successful heart surgery yesterday.

Elway stressed that the Broncos would not take any risks regarding Fox's recovery and revealed that the 50-year-old coach had also agreed with appointing Del Rio as his temporary replacement.

"We'll listen to the doctors. This is about John's health, not only for this season, but John's health for the rest of his life," Elway told reporters. "I feel good about Jack. John was on board also."

The Broncos currently sit second in the AFC West and will face divisional rivals the San Diego Chargers on Sunday before a crucial match against the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs a week later.