Reality Sinks In On Move To Oust Shanahan, Bowlen Made The Right Call

by John Bena on Dec 30, 2008 10:55 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion Comment 58 comments

I always promised myself one thing when I started MileHighReport in August 2006. I would have an opinion and go with it. I feel it makes for a better website and better community. It sparks conversation and debate, which attracts readers and, more importantly, active members. This move by the Broncos, the firing of Mike Shanahan after a career with the team that spans two decades, put that promise to the ultimate test. It is a touch subject, one that has everyone's nerves raw and exposed. A promise is a promise, however, so here goes....

The firing of Mike Shanahan earlier was the right move for Pat Bowlen to make. It hurts to type those words, hurts more to read them aloud, but in the end it is how I truly feel after getting over the shock. The funny thing is, I had been pondering this for the past couple days, much like Pat Bowlen must have been pondering the same thing after watching his team get crushed up and down the Qualcomm Stadium turf in what constituted a playoff game.

Jay Cutler's development will be overseen by someone new in 2009

That's the problem. There had been too many of those games over the past 3 years, too many crushing defeats, too many narrow victories. You are what your record says you are, and over the past 3 seasons, each of which failed to include a post season visit despite 2 seasons in which the Broncos needed only a home victory over a sub-.500 team to qualify, the Broncos were 24-24. The defense, in both talent and performance, had dropped to historically bad levels. Shanahan held the key to that, and in a League where talent is, well, almost everything, the Broncos just didn't have enough. Shanny is on the hook for that as well.

This is not a bash-Shanny post. Far from it. 'The Mastermind' will likely find his way to the Ring of Honor, deservedly so, and most likely on to Canton. I will cheer for his success, except when his team plays the Broncos, of course. End up in the AFC West and that could get dicey. I am a fan of Mike Shanahan but my heart bleeds Orange and Blue. It was that way before Mike Shanahan and it will be that way long after.

There is going to be plenty of debate, sometimes heated, on this site in the days and weeks to come. Try and remember that we all want the same thing. Understand that while 2+2=4, so does 3+1. There are multiple ways to get to the same destination.

The Denver Broncos won't find a Head Coach that is better or equal to Mike Shanahan. Even Bill Cowher fails to live up to the Xs and Os superiority of Shanny. he has gotten more production with less that any coach out there. Too bad he only has himself to blame for that lack of talent.

No, the Broncos will take a step backward in terms of coaching. The hope of Pat Bowlen and company is that the combination of a new personnel department, along with a breath of fresh air in the headset will make up the difference. If the Broncos play their cards right they can make it happen. With 9 draft picks and a sizable chunk of cap space the Broncos definitely have the cards.

Only time will tell. Like you I will wait and see what the Broncos decide to do, which direction they decide to go and will react to any and all news along the way. Until then, Thank You Mike Shanahan for bringing success and legitimacy to the Denver Broncos. In many ways it was the roots of your early success that would end up leading to your demise. Such is the way of life in the sports world. Coaches are hired to be fired. A few lucky ones just get to put it off a little longer.

For Mike Shanahan, time ran out.

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Good post and I couldn't agree more

Every run comes to an end, Bill alsh said after ten years that a team starts to tune the coach out, this team had tuned Mike out after last year, Pat saw it and manyof us won’t accept it, but it is true. The situation would not of gotten better without a change in attitude in Dove Valley and if the players aren’t buying what you are selling then you need a new salesman.

I agree Mike Shanahan is a great X and O’s guy and got a fair amount out of marginal talent, but I disagree that we can’t get a coach that is not as good if not better than Mike Shanahan. But time will bear out if that is true or not.

But I am with you in that I think we need to wish Mike the best of luck and thank him for what he has done and meant for the Broncos and rally behind Pat Bowlen and his choice for the next coach.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

9 picks + cap space...

that’s what spelled Shanahan’s doom. The Broncos are poised for greatness for many years if they just have an average draft, especially defensive players, and make some strategic FA moves. Just the things Shanahan has not done well.

I was upset when the Broncos dumped Red Miller after all he had done. I was crushed when Dan Reeves was unceremoniously dumped. I got over both and the Broncos were better for both moves. I will get over this and I think the Broncos will be better for it as well.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Dec 30, 2008 11:10 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I was mad at Miller and Reeves too, but I got over it quickly

Hell I was pissed Elway’s first year, thought they wasted the pick, time and winning heals a lot of wounds.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Guru

You completely echoed what I was thinking and what I foolishly attempted to put into words. Thank you.

The Adventures of King Royal and Phyllis The Jester

by Greyson on Dec 30, 2008 11:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I'm leaning toward the stud GM + good young coach model.

Oh, and every time i read about drafting a RB #1 I punch myself in the face.

by SethGrandpa on Dec 30, 2008 11:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

How about a 6th rounder from Georgia

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don't get the calls for a RB either.

Hillis can do the job. I would much rather have him lined up at RB than h-back myself.

Touchdowns win championships? Seriously, get a freakin defense!
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.

by 53guys on Dec 31, 2008 6:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

RB

2nd Rd hows that

by Markus2112 on Dec 30, 2008 11:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yep, I agree

I’m a Shanahan fan. I think he’s a brilliant coach, who can out scheme anyone, belongs not only in the Ring of Fame, but in the Hall of Fame. That said, I think his time had passed. I was shocked only because Bowlen had always said that Shanahan was “coach for life.”

If he hadn’t won 2 Superbowls 10 years ago, would anyone have been surprised by this move? I would say no. His record over the last 3 years was about the same as Mangini’s – mediocre at best. I think he did an amazing job rebuilding the offense the last 2 years, and have set us up to be contenders for the next several years. I was thinking he had one more year to get it done. However, he also couldn’t get anything done on defense over the last 10 years either. I thank him forever for bringing us and John Elway to the promised land, I will always be grateful.

I would like to see a “Dungy” type of hire. Indy had their Ferrari of an offense all in place, and brought in Tony Dungy to fix the rest of it. We would see the same in a hire like Cowher. Barring that, I would love to see a Pioli/McDaniels combo.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Dec 30, 2008 11:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

"coach for life"

That’s why I can’t understand why some posters are saying that Bowlen has acted rashly or in haste after Sunday’s game. Do they honestly think that after all the years and years of dedication and devotion to Shanahan that he would just throw all that away after one loss. I would imagine that Bowlen had to agonize over this decision. Knowing what he was turning his back on shows what guts it took to make this call. I have to admire Bowlen for that. The easy thing would be to just go along, as no one would criticize him for sticking with Shanny (except maybe nutjob radio callers.)

I’m most nervous because it’s just so hard, knowing what a terrific coach Shanahan was. But I completely agree with Guru that embracing this fresh start could be exactly what the Broncos franchise needs to truly reach that next level.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Dec 31, 2008 7:41 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"Coach for life"

Twp parts to Bowlen’s decision, I think. One is all the abysmal games the last few years, from the two blowouts in the playoffs to the Colts, to losses to the Chiefs and Raiders this year, then the Sunday game. Combined with the factors mentioned in another thread (Shanahan not all that must change), I’d bet Bowlen has been seeing a problem with Shanahan for some time – some of it his fault for saying repeatedly that Shanahan was his coach for life.
Part two is (I’m giving credence to the rumors about this) that Bowlen told Shanahan to fire Slowik. Shanahan refused, and learned who the boss really is at Dove Valley.

To bear up under loss, to fight the bitterness of defeat and the weakness of grief, to be victor over anger, to smile when tears are close, to resist evil men and base instincts, to hate evil and to love love, to go on when it would seem good to die, to seek after the glory and the dream, to look up with unquenchable faith in something evermore about to be, that is what any man can do, and so be great.

Zane Grey

by bradley on Dec 31, 2008 10:20 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great opinion Guru

I’m with you…after the shock settles, I will back Bowlen’s move. We can go 4 -12 next year and I’ll still be cheering on our Broncos!

While we may not get the same talent level at HC that we had with Shanahan, I think we can surpass our overall coaching ability by getting someone to run the offense, a HC that will shape the defense, and a GM that will focus on getting us that talent we need.

Heck, look at our last draft…we are already on the way. Now we just need a defense.

I do hope they keep the offensive scheme in tact.

I don’t want breakaway speed. I want break-some-poor-fool-as-I-bowl-you-over power getting 6 yards off a play that should have been stopped for 2 at most.

by sadaraine on Dec 30, 2008 11:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Bring in Rex Ryan

and have him peruse Bart Scott and Suggs in FA.

that would be ideal

by KevinJames3 on Dec 30, 2008 11:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Unbelievably Bad Move Pat

What bad timing on Pat’s part. I would have understood this more if it came after last year or the year before. But Mike had finally realized all the FA mistakes and draft mistakes, and between him and Goodman we were heading in a good direction. How many rebuilding teams go improve on their record from the previous year. They established a good young offense, and now needed another two years to rebuild the defense. So now Pat has set the offense back another couple of years (new system, new language, big learning curve), and it’s no sure thing that our defense will become formidable any time soon. The best man for this rebuilding effort was Shanahan, and Pat has just blown this organization up 1 year into at least a 3 year effort to rebuild. It makes absolutely no sense. Shanahan has never been allowed to build a team from ground up, because Bowlen and us fans demand a Super Bowl contender every year. That all finally caught up with us, and drove us to a rebuilding effort, and now we were seeing how well Shanahan could build an offense back up from scratch. But then Pat doesn’t give him any time to work on the defense? Ridiculous timing. Not to mention all the b.s. injuries Shanahan dealt with this year. If Hillis doesn’t get injured, I gaurantee we are not having this conversation right now. Unbelievable move Pat.
And I’ll predict right now that Shanahan moves on to a team with a decent defense in place, and makes them legitimate Super Bowl contenders within 2 years. We will all regret this decision by Pat. It’s just terrible.

Good luck Mike, I’ll be rooting for you wherever you go. You were the Broncos, and in a way I am happy for you to rid yourself of this ridiculous fan base.

by HACK10 on Dec 30, 2008 11:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Mike did understand the Free agents mistakes

Look at the free agents he signed this year:

Boss Bailey, Marlen McCree, DeWayne Robertson, Niko, Manual, Colbert, Parker,… all scubs of the higest caliber, without Weigman signing, I would say a complete waste of money. So hard to say he learned anything.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 12:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

so discount

the “big run”, the signing that was unquestionably genius (we are so fond of doing this after all). Also Discount the fact that we TRADED Colbert so we got value out of him when we didn’t need him. Discount the fact that Niko, while he didn’t step up as a great starter like many thought, lead the team in special teams tackles. Discount the fact that Boss Bailey played quite well until injured (yes, perhaps now he can be officially called injury prone). Discount the fact that Dewayne Robertson played a reasonable amount of snaps and thus cost us next to nothing, by design (I think he played well btw). Finally, say what you will about McCree and Manuel, but the fact is all of our safeties sucked, largely because much of the year we were playing one deep safety. THAT’s the decision that was poor in regards to safeties, and I don’t care to say they were necessarily busts based on not using them properly.

So, discounting all that I think you are right about the free agents.

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Dec 31, 2008 12:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

+1, they were all just stopgap measures

The future looks so bright that we're going to need blue and orange sunglasses!

by Arctic Bronco on Dec 31, 2008 8:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hack10

the thing to realize is that Shanahan wasn’t fired for what happened the last two years. He was fired because of what happened in the draft and free agency leading up to the last two years. 2007 and 2008 were essentially a grace from Bowlen, a chance for Shanny to make something of the duds. Remember that the lack of talent on this team is reflected EXACTLY by the lack of picks that panned out over the period after Elway retired and prior to the drafting of Cutler. Those players would be in their prime RIGHT NOW. The draft mistakes that Shanny made were all payed by Bowlen, in amounts numbering into the millions, a price that bought nothing, and Bowlen essentially said, Do what you can with what you have, if you can get some playoff games in here and pay off some of the debt you have created, than we can consider starting over. Shanny did his best and came up with 7-9 and 8-8, by virtue of his greatest strength, Xs and Os.

But it was too little, too late.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 31, 2008 1:00 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

For the most part I agree with you,

but I haven’t been following the Broncos’ moves very closely over the past few years, just the results of those moves (i.e. the games). I love Shanny’s coaching and offensive strategy and don’t want to part with that. To quote TSG, “No, the Broncos will take a step backward in terms of coaching. The hope of Pat Bowlen and company is that the combination of a new personnel department, along with a breath of fresh air in the headset will make up the difference.” I agree, but would it have been possible to NOT take a step backward in coaching, and still make up the difference with a new personnel department? I wish the answer could have been yes, but I’m not sure…

by appleshampoo on Dec 31, 2008 2:50 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Too bad that Gary Kubiak isn't available.

I think Kubiak would be ausome as the HC in Denver.

by DeadDrunk on Dec 30, 2008 11:56 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

no

that would just be a shanny clone.

by KevinJames3 on Dec 30, 2008 11:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We need a break from that style

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 12:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't agree with you more Hack

on this being a terrible move. I hope I’m wrong but I have the feeling this is going to set us back not to mention Cutler’s developement.

by mrwhite20 on Dec 31, 2008 12:01 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

This is the absolute dumbest thing I've ever seen from the Broncos organization!

And I’ve seen them do some pretty dumb things.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Dec 31, 2008 12:17 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I can think of several dumb things

Travis Henry, Darryl Gardner, Javon Walker, Dale Carter, Willie Middlebrooks, Simion Rice, Niko Koudividas, Boss Bailey, trading up for Jarvis Moss, letting Trevor Pryce and Betrand Berry walk, not drafting a solid RB, Paul Tovessi, Darius Watts, Lelie, Terry Pierce, seems like mike has done a lot of dumb things, he msut be a dummy.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 12:49 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You're a piece of work, BM

I love the new avatar as well. My best friend is a huge Steeler fan and he was texting me all night about Cower. I’ve despised and rolled my eyes at the slack-jawed fool for so long that I can’t imagine him as our coach. I would much rather have a young guy like Tomlin, it pains me because I hate the Steelers so bad, but he’s my favorite coach in the league right now.

But seriously, the avatar cracked me up this morning. I needed it.

"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."

by ButteBronco on Dec 31, 2008 7:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

In the NFL you're either hired or you're fired.

But you’re never safe. You’re only as good as your last win and you are what your record says you are. I love The Mastermind but change is inevitable. Whether or not this is a dumb move all depends on who they pick to replace him.

Time will tell.

by TheMastermind on Dec 31, 2008 7:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great post TSG...

I think the jury is still out on whether this move will work out well or not in the short term, but while I have always been, and remain, a Shanahan fan, my opinion is that the timing of the firing is actually pretty good. We have a young offense that is talented enough to respond with resilience to a new system, and the defense needs to be blown up anyway. We have a strong draft position and enough cap space for a new coach to make strides immediately toward building the team he wants. I agree that we may not find someone as good—at least initially—at x’s and o’s, but Broncoman’s citing of Bill Walsh in the first comment is right on point. Shanny has been getting tuned out, and has lost the ability to squeeze that last 5% of effort out of his players—the 5% that makes all the difference between winning and losing big games in the NFL. His players weren’t playing for him—in a way that can’t simply be excused by injuries. There has been some sort of systemic malaise with this team that can only be cured by a shakeup.
This may sound like heresy, but I’m frankly not crazy about the way Shanny has handled Cutler’s development as a player or as a leader, and I think that some of Jay’s personality issues could benefit from new leadership. I wish Shanny well, wherever he ends up—though I will hope it’s as far from the AFC West as possible—but I think we may very well be the better for the move. Of course, that will obviously depend on how Bowlen proceeds from here….

"You're slow. You're not a running back, and you're not a running back for a reason."
The Shanahan

by Broncs Cheer on Dec 31, 2008 12:33 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Sad day...but exciting in the future?

"Keep Jeremy Bates and Rick Dennison and Bobby Turner (this is the #2 offense in the league)

Hire Steve Spagnuolo as Head Coach and build a defense.

Hire a quality GM (Pioli would be nice)"

eh?

"Some guys got drafted and they ain't played football in 15 years and I'm still waiting to get drafted. I'm still waiting to hear my name." -Rod Smith

by The Heat on Dec 31, 2008 12:51 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Agree!

Keep consistency with the offense (#2 ), get a Scot Pioli for GM, and hire Spagnuolo as the HC. Let him build a quality pressure defense through the draft and FA. BTW – I like what the Goodmans did in last year’s draft. Hope there is a place for them in the new administration.

by BroncoConvert on Dec 31, 2008 9:46 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

Pioli and Spagnuolo. Let’s get a young guy like Spag rather than a retread like Cowher. Let’s start fresh.

Zane Grey

by bradley on Dec 31, 2008 10:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

IM SORRY

It’s a tough position to be in for Bowlen, letting Shanahan go but I think everyone must go if he goes or it’s just more of the same. I hate the spread O anyway. Destiny has her hand on all the Coaches backs, and she’s pushing!

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:03 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

disagree

They really would be well served by keeping the offensive staff in place for the most part. The reason we went so heavily with the spread O was because of the injured RB…look at the jets game…we ran the ball with authority early and often with a healthy Hillis.

I don’t want breakaway speed. I want break-some-poor-fool-as-I-bowl-you-over power getting 6 yards off a play that should have been stopped for 2 at most.

by sadaraine on Dec 31, 2008 9:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

ALEX GIBBS!

Shanahan has gradually gone down hill since Alex Gibbs! left. He was the reason The Broncos controlled games.

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:08 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Very true

I think we took huge steps back after Gibbs “left”, Look what he did in Atlanta and now in Houston, that guy is the best O-line coach ever, and he was the fire for the offense, he was what Mike lacked in emotion on the sidelines.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 1:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Any response back from your application submitted to the Broncos?

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 1:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

I am jacks inflamed sense of rejection.

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry to hear that, LOL

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 1:20 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

BOWLEN LAYED AN EGG

You know even though today was one of the worst days in Broncos history, I learned many things. 1st The World looks alot different when your six inches tall and coverd with feathers. 2nd Two heads is NOT better than one. Finally, you can lay an egg and still feel like a Man.

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:29 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

TEAM UP

We should TEAM UP Alex Gibbs and Bill Cowher!

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:22 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonder twin powers unite!

That would be a awesome duo, I posted this earlier, bring in Cowher, Dick Labeau DC, Bate OC, Pioli – GM, and Gibbs back as O-line coach, there would be a wrecking machine.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 1:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

PERFECT

If only it was a perfect World.

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

MY WORK IS DONE

Well, Evil has been rousted and the Babysitters been paid, My work is done here.

Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!

by monodono on Dec 31, 2008 1:34 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Good post Guru.

You said what needed to be said very well.

This is definatly the saddest day I have experienced as a Broncos fan in quite a long time. I think after some time I can understand why Bowlen did what he did, however I am still mad over the whole thing because it came out of nowhere. Shanny did some great things for this organization ( 2 SB wins) and some bad things ( many wrong signings) so sometimes you have to be held accountable even if it means firing a coach who has been here for 14 years as a HC.

This day totally SUCKS.

Thanks Mike Shanahan for all the success you brought to Denver and I wish you the best in whatever life has in store for you. I will be rooting for you should you coach somewhere else, just not against us. Thanks.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9

by weazel on Dec 31, 2008 2:24 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Would be interesting

to see Shanahan go to KC and see how we with our young team would do against their young team. Maybe it would make a better division….just a thought. Shanahans old washed out schemes, we should really stomp KC then….. Good luck where ever you end up Mike…… Gonna miss you…..Bad day…bad day

by pwsbronco on Dec 31, 2008 2:31 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Those old washed up schemes

won you guys alot of games. Gotta say I was pretty shocked to hear the news on ESPN while eating dinner last night. After reflecting on it for awhile, it makes sense. Oakland, KC, and now you guys are all in the market for Head Coaches… Denver would definitely be one of the most enticing of the 3 with the talent you all have on offense. KC has to wait until a new GM is hired before talking about a coach… So really you guys are one up on us there, and definitely one up over Oakland…. they’re just terrible.

As far as him coming to KC, I don’t see that happening. He’s hated as much as Elway is. And that’s saying quite a lot actually. I almost bet he doesn’t get a job this offseason, or even possibly turns a couple down. He took over too much responsibility, and like every coach who has done that before him, it bit him in the ass. You can only do one full time job; when you take on two full time jobs, you’re only 1/2 as productive at each.

"In the NFL, coaching has to make a difference when the games are close. The talent level across the league from team to team is too similar. Great head coaches do their best work in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. Instead, we’ve seen Herm blow timeouts, put the game in the hands of the league’s worst defense, and most recently, run Larry Johnson behind Wade Smith and Adrian Jones as if they were Tim Grunhard and Will Shields in their prime.
Dr. Frankenstein is gone, but his monster is still roaming the sideline at Arrowhead Stadium." -C.E. Wendler, Warpaint Illustrated

by IISaiNtII on Dec 31, 2008 6:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Post

After reflection I agree wholeheartedly. Couldn’t have said it better.

And no, I am not changing my avatar. LOL

by TheMastermind on Dec 31, 2008 7:30 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Shanny will have a job by weeks end.

He did great, but his time here is done.
Lets get on with supporting our team as Guru said.
I am a Bronco’s fan, and not a Shanahan fan.
Peace.

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Dec 31, 2008 7:51 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I was going to give him a pass...again.

What a year. But all of these things that happen were because of Shanahan. He brought in all of these guys. Staff, players, everyone. Guru was right… someone had to pay. Shanahan will not be the only one.

Let’s bring in the NFC East and the AFC North for starters.

I can’t wait. All Ready!

by precisiontint on Dec 31, 2008 8:33 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Funny...

The comments/posts that are most dismayed by this change, the ones that question either the fanhood or the intelligence of those who support or simply understand it, are almost exclusively attributed to names I haven’t really seen around much. Nevermind, then. I’m with you Guru. I didn’t want to run him out of time, but I won’t lament his depature. I wish him all the best, but I’m a Broncos fan and the right hire could make this all worth it. I will wait, see and react just as you plan to…

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Dec 31, 2008 8:39 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Guys, I really think

Bowlen could surprise us. I would love for him to bring Charlie Strong onboard as D-Coord or perhaps even head coach with bates as the O-Coord. My rationale? Bowlen brings in a deserving candidate who has been shunned from head coaching gigs on the college level (I think we know why), has the resume on defense as a motivator and play-caller (he could seal the deal against the Sooners), relates well to young athletes, and had been around for a while and with great college coaches (Spurrier, Holtz, Meyer). Perhaps he doesn’t get the head gig, but I’d love to have him as our Defensive Coord. And wouldn’t it be funny to go back to the Gator well one more time and pull out a gem like Shanny? Just a thought….

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/98588-charlie-strong-to-face-biggest-challenge-of-florida-coaching-career

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/082608/spf_322825689.shtml

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_7575262

I wish Woody Paige was our coach!

by bcfunk on Dec 31, 2008 8:45 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

There are a lot of options out there. I always wondered what is was going to be like once Shanny left.

I was wondering when we were going to be like the Browns, Lions, and Jets…looking for a new coach. The only difference here, is that we have a QB that is young, we have a lot of cap space, we have 9 draft picks to fix up our defense, and we have a patient owner.(Even though Shanny just got fired). Can’t wait to see who it is.

by broncoholic on Dec 31, 2008 9:00 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

14 years is pretty patient! :)

Only the Rooneys are more patient than Bowlen, it seems.

by CalgaryFan on Dec 31, 2008 9:39 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My feelings are best summed up by paraphrasing Chris Rock:

I’m not saying that Bowlen should have fired Shanahan, but I understand

by MattR on Dec 31, 2008 10:22 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Nicely said.....

………..however, IMO, only time will tell about the not finding a coach equal to or better than ‘Mike’. From one perspective , it may be ‘never more’ to have such long term loyalty between an owner and coach (now, it’s big business, big money, win baby win….), so the longevity part of success may be impossible…..

For me, I’ll remain with ’it’s how the team plays the game’ to judge any coach…..short term or long….

by rockymtnfan on Dec 31, 2008 10:39 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Where have the Broncos gone wrong?

Before yesterday’s news, I think this was the focus of most fans. For me personally, it was a tough question to answer. I could not figure out if the defensive woes were the result of an inability to evaluate and obtain talent OR an inability to develop that talent OR an inability to have a scheme to utilize the talent OR putting the wrong players on the field OR the players struggling to learn new schemes every year (combined with injures this year). It was hard for me to have an opinion about Jarvis Moss or Niko Koutouvides based on all those questions about the environment surrounding them. And that made it very hard to figure out the best way to move forward and correct things.

Over the past couple years, it seems like Denver has been trying to address those issues piecemeal – the overhaul of the front office with the Goodman’s replaceing Ted Sundquist, changing defensive coordinators, personnel moves, etc. But nothing worked and things only got worse. It almost seems like Bowlen threw up his hands in exasperation and realized it was gonna take a complete overhaul with new people with new, unbiased perspectives to get things fixed.

It will probably be a step back in the short term, but it may be the breath of fresh air (or kick in the pants) that is needed for long term success.

by MattR on Dec 31, 2008 11:00 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Shanahan

Shanahan is a great coach, but his departure was overdue. My biggest concern is that if the Post’s list of primier coaches is accurate, then it appears Bowlen has no plan. He needs to get Scott Paoli before the Browns do and then get his head coach. At one time, I would have been happy with Mooch. But now I’m not sure. Too bad Lane Kiffen and his dad are at UT!

Orangeman

by corangemanr on Dec 31, 2008 11:15 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I still don't like it

If everyone thought Shanny drafted so bad, I guess we better go back and redo the draft? Wait, that takes away Clady, Royal, Hillis, Torain, and Josh Barret? guess not…

I certainly hope the defense gets revamped again so we can just cut the guys (like Marcus Thomas, Dumervil and Ekuban) that “don’t fit the scheme”.

I certainly hope this new coach doesn’t think Hillis can run RB.

Oh, and I really, really want a running back both the first and second round! Our defense was so great this year and I don’t think we have enough running backs (especially if the new coach doesn’t like, say Hillis). A Cedric Benson type would be just wonderful.

And most of all, I hope this begins a revolving door of coaches so we can be a team in constant flux that forgets its roots and achieves below it’s talent level rather than pushing the envelope.

Shannahan’s Broncos are the only Broncos I’ve known as a fan. I didn’t like a lot of stuff I saw this year, but I certainly was not clamoring for more instability.

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Dec 31, 2008 12:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs