Broncos Fire Head Coach Mike Shanahan

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In a shocking turn of events, the Denver Broncos fired head coach Mike Shanahan today. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen issued the following statement:

“After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos. This is certainly a difficult decision, but one that I feel must be made and which will ultimately be in the best interests of all concerned. I appreciate the 21 years that Mike Shanahan has given to the organization as an assistant and head coach, and the two Super Bowl wins in that time. His contributions hold a special place in Broncos history.”

Of all the coaching changes I saw coming, this was certainly not one of them. Coach Shanahan’s record speaks for itself. But a December collapse that saw the Broncos squander a three game lead in the AFC West with consecutive losses to Carolina, Buffalo and San Diego apparently sealed his fate. The Broncos have also not made the playoffs the past three seasons. Nevertheless, I believe coach Shanahan earned the right to depart on his own terms — when he was ready to leave the game or pursue other interests or coaching positions. It’s a tough call if Mr. Bowlen felt the team was stagnating — and I don’t know if he had a previous agreement with coach Shanahan regarding a playoff berth this year — but it is surprising to see coach Shanahan being dismissed from a position he held for 14 years (with an impressive 146-89 won-loss record). He was the longest tenured coach in franchise history and he held the second-longest tenure in the NFL behind Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher.

Source: DenverBroncos.com, Photo: Newscom