Shanahan Out

[Giantmetfan07]

The blockbuster of the coaching season just came in: The Denver Broncos fired Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan had three years and upwards of $20 million remaining on his contract.

Shanahan, who just completed his 14th season at the helm of the Broncos, was the longest tenured coach in franchise history. He also held the title of executive vice president of football operations.

The two-time Super Bowl-winning coach guided the Broncos to nine winning seasons, seven playoff berths and three conference championships. The Broncos finished 8-8 this season, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season. - NFL.com

 

[DC4]

DENVER -- Mike Shanahan, the second longest-tenured NFL coach, was fired by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday after the team lost a three-game lead with three games to go in the AFC West.

Shanahan, 56, coached the Broncos since 1995, behind only Tennessee's Jeff Fisher in tenure with one team. He led the Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999 and compiled a record of 146-89 with the team.

Mike Shanahan

Shanahan

In a statement, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said: "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."

This season, the Broncos had an 8-5 record but lost their final three, including a 52-21 defeat Sunday night in San Diego that gave the Chargers the division title. They are the first NFL team to blow a three-game lead with three games to go.

He also was dismissed as director of football operations.

Shanahan, who also served as offensive coordinator in Denver and San Francisco and was head coach of the Raiders in 1988 and for the first four games of 1989, has been regarded as one of the league's best offensive minds.

But the Broncos failed this season on defense, allowing 448 points, third worst in the NFL. They were 29th, or fourth worst, in yards allowed.

Shanahan had three years left on his contract, worth about $20 million.

"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," Bowlen said in the statement. "His contributions hold a special place in Broncos history."

Bowlen said that the team will hold a news conference on Wednesday morning to make the announcement, and Shanahan will speak shortly thereafter.

Shanahan's firing is likely to put him in demand by other teams that have fired coaches: the New York Jets, Detroit, and Cleveland.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Wow, I wasn't expecting this. He's always been a good coach.

 

[jarrod2323]

great coach, but hasn't been <Censored> since Kubiak left.. makes you wonder if he relied on him way too much.
but, you can't really fault him too much for the season this year with all the injuries.. Wasn't Bell like the 5th string back?

i can see him getting another job EASILY

 

[RipCity32]

If Detroit doesn't talk to him I'd be very surprised.

 

[PiStoL31PeTe]

wow didn't think he'd get fired from Denver. But he's a great coach he'll get a job with another team very fast.

 

[.GR]

WTF?!?!?

 

[Pugz]

If Detroit doesn't talk to him I'd be very surprised.

I'd LOVE that.
But why would he come here?

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Im thinking Seattle...

You cant really fault him at all for the team's outcome this season.
I mean, the way this team fought with all the injuries at RB and other positions, for them to hang in there until the last game is quite impressive.

 

[DC4]

wow I forgot all about Holmgren leaving i think he'll end up there also

 

[A.E]

Good call GMF. Seattle already gave Mike Holmgreen the same power Shannahan had in Denver. The Seahawks would be a great fit for Shannahan & now that the Denver job is open...Bill Cowher?

 

[RipCity32]

I'd LOVE that.
But why would he come here?

To help turn us around, IDK? lol

 

[A.E]

Mark Schlereth was interview on SC & went on about how much coaching Shannahan has left in him & how much Shannahan loves the daily grind of the job. That's good news for Lions' fans and would give you some hope that he would consider the job if offered it.

My question is whether or not Shannahan will seek the same Coach/GM powers he had with the Broncos? Or just opt to be a head coach for a change?

If he is looking for a job that gives him the powers of GM...then it really narrows the field.