Gary Kubiak is expecting Peyton Manning to return to the Broncos

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning hasn’t publicly said whether he wants to return next season, but his new coach is expecting him to be under center.

Gary Kubiak, who was hired last month after the Broncos and former coach John Fox agreed to part ways, said Tuesday he is anticipating Manning’s return.

“We want to play with him,” Kubiak told the Denver Post. “This organization has won a lot of games with him and we want to get back and do it again. Expecting him to come back.”

Kubiak’s comments come less than a week after Manning reportedly told the Broncos’ front office that he would like to return for an 18th season.

So what could be holding up Manning’s announcement? According to multiple reports, the Broncos may be trying to restructure Manning’s $19-million salary for 2015. His contract also requires him to undergo a physical. The Broncos will be on the hook for his 2015 salary, whatever it may be, if he is on the roster March 9, the eve of the NFL’s new business year.

Kubiak said he’s not worried about how long it has taken to figure out whether the five-time NFL most valuable player will return.

“I don’t think there’s any hold up at all,” Kubiak said. “He and [Broncos general manager] John [Elway] are working through the process. That’s been the plan all along, the way I understand it.”

Twitter: @AustinKnob