Well... Pat Bowlen did it. He fired Mike Shanahan. I can't even begin to tell you how shocking this is to this Broncos die-hard. I can't say that I'm disappointed, but I also can't say that I'm happy about it. There have been plenty of people in Denver that have been calling for Shanny's head over the past two years, but we all just assumed that he had a lifetime contract. I can't imagine how difficult this was for Pat Bowlen. He and Mike Shanahan are very close, and Shanny finally brought Bowlen the Lombardi Trophy. Twice. This may be the biggest news day in Denver sports since... Well, since Dan Reeves was fired as the Broncos coach.
Shanahan was great for the Broncos. There's no doubting that. In total, he has given 21 years to the organization as an assistant coach, head coach, and executive vice president. It wouldn't surprise me to see him move to the Broncos' front office eventually, especially with his brand new $35 million mansion that was completed last summer, but it won't be this offseason. I've been wrong before, though. Just two days ago, I said that Shanahan wouldn't be fired. I was completely shocked by this. I honestly would be surprised if Shanahan was coaching in the NFL next season. He's not going to go to the Jets, Browns, or Lions, although I wouldn't be completely surprised if he went to the Jets. There's a lot going through my mind about this, but mostly, I'm just incredibly surprised. I hope that they go for a defensive-minded coach and keep Jeremy Bates on as the offensive coordinator. I also hope that Bowlen doesn't give a coach complete control. The Broncos need a GM to make personnel decisions. Let's look at a few possible replacements.
Steve Spagnuolo, New York Giants Defensive Coordinator
This is the guy that I would like to see come in. For some reason, I'm not really into the "recycled coaches". Spagnoulo is as hot a commodity as there is amongst the coordinator ranks. He is the best defensive coordinator in the NFL, and he will get a shot as a head coach. I hope that Bowlen will take a look at him.
Jim Fassel
Fassel is an interesting one. He has ties to Denver, as he did serve as the Broncos offensive coordinator from 1993-1995. He has said that he wants to be a head coach next year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Broncos take a run at him.
Bill Cowher
You knew we had to talk about Cowher. In all honesty, I'm not as big on Cowher as most are. One problem is that he would want full control, and I don't think that's a good thing. I doubt that Cowher will be coaching next year, but I'd rather it not be in Denver.
Who knows what the future holds? If I had to guess, I'd say that Pat Bowlen already has a candidate in mind. If Jack Del Rio gets fired in Jacksonville, he's another one that I wouldn't mind seeing. It'll be interesting to see what the next few days hold, but Mike Shanahan will land on his feet. Thanks for the memories, Mike, and good luck to you!
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This decision Bowlen has made requires a head coach and a general manager. So what comes first? The GM or the Coach? Maybe Denver makes a push for Holmgren as a GM? Maybe Spioli?
Dark times upon us.
Daniel Crespo
Paterson , NJ
Total Comments (40)
Agree Chief. I am in shock. Totally agree that there needs to be separation between GM and head coach. If there was one coach that I thought was bullet-proof it was Shannahan (due to his close relationship with Bowlen). It will be very interesting to see who comes in next. Seems like Bowlen would have "some" idea of who that might be before he made one of the biggest decisions in Bronco History. Shanny will be missed and I really hope Bowlen knows what he is doing. He has been a great owner and I will certainly give him the benefit of the doubt....for now.
Mondo Jay
Fan Nation, HQ
Total Comments (10715)
Maybe the question should be not SHOULD Shanahan been fired, but more did Bowlen wait a year (or two) too long??
Spagnuolo, Cowher...no. Fassel...??
Here's one that just now popped in my head: Romeo Crennel?? Hey, ANYTHING'S possible. (Not that I put stock in that, mind you.)
DC Sports Nut: Nats,…
Total Comments (2558)
Please, God, no Romeo Crennel!
wtnelson = Big Chief
Fort Collins , CO
Total Comments (3581)
Try to steal Parcells as the GM so you can build a defense. Hire a defensive minded head coach, then hire Mike Martz as the OC.
FBSDSUFAN
Chula Vista , CA
Total Comments (9)
I'm a Cowher fan but I don't think the Broncos should have fired a coach that nearly led them to the playoffs with their 6th option at RB.
Southern Discomfort
Charlotte, NC
Total Comments (4843)
I wasn't always a big John Fox fan but stability and patience are key to sucess with head coaches.
Southern Discomfort
Charlotte, NC
Total Comments (4843)
It wouldn't surprise me to see Crennel stay in Cleveland as defensive coordinator, especially if they bring Pioli in as GM.
Rocktman
Cincinnati, OH
Total Comments (1524)
Shanahan brought this one on himself when he got (I can't think of his name now) canned last year.
Rocktman
Cincinnati, OH
Total Comments (1524)
You're either thinking of defensive coordinator Jim Bates (whose son Jeremy Bates is the Broncos quarterbacks coach and offensive play caller) or long-time GM Ted Sundquist.
wtnelson = Big Chief
Fort Collins , CO
Total Comments (3581)
I'm not surprised one bit by this move. Yeah, Bowlen and Shanny are close, but this choke job was inexcusable.
As for the next Head Coach, I think it will be none of the above. I don't know why, but I'm thinking Jim Schwartz here. Or, maybe, Kyle Shanahan ;-)
Redwing19
Halifax, NS
Total Comments (35094)
It certainly won't be Kyle Shanahan. Jim Schwartz is a name that has been bandied about. I think that he'd be a good hire.
wtnelson = Big Chief
Fort Collins , CO
Total Comments (3581)
No way. Bates has three years left on his contract, but he's not ready to be a head coach yet. Maybe you're right, but I doubt it.
wtnelson = Big Chief
Fort Collins , CO
Total Comments (3581)
I doubt that Mike Martz and Cutler would get along......
TenRingsSTL
Total Comments (4177)
Don't know if I can quote myself but what I got from the press conference just now is that Pat Bowlen has no plans on bringing in a General Manager. So the Sundquist replacements will be in the spotlight as they put together a list of candidates for the head coaching position.
Bowlen plans on keeping most of the offensive coaches on board to continue developing Cutler and company. This is a good thing because that is not broke.
Daniel Crespo
Paterson , NJ
Total Comments (40)
The sky's not falling just yet. Shanhan was a brilliant offensive mind who made terrible personnel decisions. Everyone is saying that he did such a fantastic job this past draft, but really, Royal is about the only draft pick I can point to in recent years who has exceeded expectations. Let's not kid ourselves, there was never any plan for Hillis to do anything more than run head first in to LBs this year, so I'm sure Mike was just as surprised as the rest of us by his performance.
Whoever the Broncos go with, I hope it's someone with a tendency toward defense, and someone who will be able to get through to Cutler. I'm not as impressed with his development this year as many people are, too many poor decisions.
PootieTang: Derby…
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