BREAKING: Ted Sundquist is no longer the Broncos GM (M)

[montrose]

Sundquist Departs As Broncos General Manager

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos have announced that General Manager Ted Sundquist is no longer with the team, effective immediately.

Head Coach Mike Shanahan said, “I am grateful to Ted for all his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Broncos for the past 16 years. Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini-camps and training camp.”

Director of Player Personnel Jim Goodman and Assistant General Manager Jeff Goodman each will have more prominent roles in football operations, while Joe Ellis, recently named as Chief Operating Officer of the Broncos, will assist on operational and administrative issues related to football.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=7873

[Requiem]

Check out the Broncos main site.

[rovolution]

April Fools isnt for a while dude.








Seriously though, are you s****ting me?



Damn its official

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=7873


Holy s***, pretty funny considering it was on the same day that one dude made the Sundquist thread

[plummershelper]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos have announced that General Manager Ted Sundquist is no longer with the team, effective immediately.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=357&contentID=415) said, “I am grateful to Ted for all his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Broncos for the past 16 years. Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini-camps and training camp.”
Director of Player Personnel Jim Goodman and Assistant General Manager Jeff Goodman each will have more prominent roles in football operations, while Joe Ellis, recently named as Chief Operating Officer of the Broncos, will assist on operational and administrative issues related to football.
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[plummershelper]

Hope this doesn't mean Shanny goes back to GM!

[Killericon]

I wonder how this happened...

I'm kind of in shock, actually.

[OABB]

holy sheeite! goodman is that guy that has had a more active role recently, right? I remember a thread not too far back about Goodman being involved in the recent drafts...


I wonder if Sundquist took the fall for the fa pickups last year?


this is strange news, but, I will hold back on an opinion because I have no idea what happened, or what went on.

if goodman is the new guy, and he is a part of our recent success, than I am fall for this move...


wow.

[chaz]

I do not understand this...unless Shanahan is making Ted the scapegoat, but I think with drafting having improved over that last couple years and our new FA approach I thought things were on the upswing...

[montrose]

I wonder where this came from. Wow, such bizarre timing with the draft coming up. Perhaps Shanny looking for more control going into the most crucial draft of his tenure? There's certainly more to the story.

On a side note, and in relation to the thread started early today, I expect not one national outlet to pick up this story.

[12th man]

I wonder how this happened...

I'm kind of in shock, actually.

Yeah, I'm wondering that too. Why fire him so close to draft time?

[24champ]

Hope this doesn't mean Shanny goes back to GM!

Shanny has more power than Ted ever did at GM. Hence the Final say portion of Shanny's contract.


Sounds like he was canned because Shanny is actually seizing more control and tightening up the ship in Dove Valley. Hence it also why Bates got canned too.

Shanny better have a good season this coming season or his neck will be the next one to be axed.

[theAPAOps5]

He was tired of not having enough pull, maybe?

[Lestat]

wow i don't like this, it screams to me as Shanny making someone else the fall guy & going back to Gm duties

[montrose]

I'm going to miss his self-serving blogs.

[eddie mac]

More costcutting by Bowlen???

Bates, Dinger, Sundqvist gone and replaced from within.

[yerner]

what the hell is going on there?

[BroncoMatt]

crap, now I need a new adopt a bronco

[Popcorn Sutton]

Holy Guacomole! What's going on? It's time for the Shanahan boo birds to come out of the woodwork.

[Meck77]

Shanny better have a good season this coming season or his neck will be the next one to be axed.

You'd think. Well unless Shanny tries to blame Bowlen. He's about the only guy left. Ha!

[chaz]

More costcutting by Bowlen???

Bates, Dinger, Sundqvist gone and replaced from within.

Highly doubtful...in today's NFL if you find a good GM he is worth every penny to keep.

[kmonty]

fired or quit? Doesn't specify

[Broncojef]

Another thread was talking our recent good dafts may be the product of Sundquist having more pull in them. I wonder if this means Shanny will have total controll and the draft will suck again...good grief.

[bpc]

This is f'ing great. One of the better days I've had in awhile.

Broncos have let it be known that they are going the draft route and under Sunquist's watch, they have not been the greatest in that field.

Peace out buddy!

[Dudeskey]

He was tired of not having enough pull, maybe?

Shanny's also the VP of football operations, is he not? I'd say thats already enough pull.

[Broncojef]

Great a pending Shanahan draft....

[Traveler]

This is f'ing great. One of the better days I've had in awhile.

Broncos have let it be known that they are going the draft route and under Sunquist's watch, they have not been the greatest in that field.

Peace out buddy!

BPC,

Correct me if I'm wrong but are you suggesting the crappy drafts we had prior to 2006 are more Sunquist's fault?

[Los Broncos]

I'm a little stunned here, what the hell is going on?

[Florida_Bronco]

I wonder if that new guy, the one who was in charge of scouting in the Southeast, will be taking over as GM?

[Popcorn Sutton]

BPC,

Correct me if I'm wrong but are you suggesting the crappy drafts we had prior to 2006 are more Sunquist's fault?

You should read Ted's blog... I posted it in the other thread I started today about none other than Ted Sundquist. He defends several failed draft picks such as George Foster, Terry Pierce, Paul Toviessi, Willie Middlebrooks and more... I for one don't put the entire onus on Sundquist or Shanahan or the scouts. I believe it's a collective effort but there is always that final say clause for Shanahan.

[SlipperyPete]

Pat Bolen, please come to the courtesy desk. Pat Bolen, please come to the courtesy desk. You are officially on deck as the Mastermind's only remaining scapegoat.

[Traveler]

You should read Ted's blog... I posted it in the other thread I started today about none other than Ted Sundquist. He defends several failed draft picks such as George Foster, Terry Pierce, Paul Toviessi, Willie Middlebrooks and more... I for one don't put the entire onus on Sundquist or Shanahan or the scouts. I believe it's a collective effort but there is always that final say clause for Shanahan.

I did read it. He did come across as pompus and sometimes condescending. But since he really didn't have the final say on personnel matters, how can we all pin those failed drafts on him?

[lostknight]

This reeks of a firing, and it reeks of a firing that may not be directly related to football related duties.

[Popcorn Sutton]

I did read it. He did come across as pompus and sometimes condescending. But since he really didn't have the final say on personnel matters, how can we all pin those failed drafts on him?

I find it interesting how he defends all those picks. It tells me he obviously played a major part in the draft picks or Shanahan had him snowed. It's funny to me how so many people act like they know exactly what happens behind closed doors at Dove Valley.

I can't believe he's gone.

[Popps]

The move surprises me, but I can see how this probably played out.

Free agency and the draft being in high gear right now, you can bet that Ted said/did something Shanahan didn't like, and that was that.

I'm honestly surprised the guy lasted as long as he did.

[Florida_Bronco]

This reeks of a firing, and it reeks of a firing that may not be directly related to football related duties.

Well for what it's worth, Wabbit had suggested since the beginning of the that the possibility existed of Ted leaving the team, so this shouldn't come as a HUGE shock.

[cmhargrove]

I don't see how they will just "split up" Sundquists duties. That guy was in charge of most everything. I thought Ted did a brilliant job of managing the cap and making FA deals, but I think we understand the team is still looking in a new direction.

The question is - will the father and son Goodman team be any better? This is a crucial draft, there is a lot on the table. It should make for a very interesting draft (and season).

Bye Ted, thanks for the Portis / Bailey trade, and for the 2006 draft.

[plummershelper]

From your favorite PFT

SUNDQUIST OUT AS BRONCOS G.M.
Back on November 8, 2007, we passed along a rumor that G.M. Ted Sundquist could end up being the scapegoat in Denver (http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2007/11/08/sundquist-to-be-the-scapegoat/).
In an unrelated development, Sundquist is out as the G.M. of the Denver Broncos (http://profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm#).
The team announced the move on Wednesday night, saying that he is "no longer with the team, effective immediately."
Said coach/de facto G.M. Mike Shanahan in a statement released by the Broncos: "I am grateful to Ted for all his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Broncos for the past 16 years. Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini camps and training camp."
The back end of the rumor that we heard back in November was that Mike Lombardi, who worked for the Broncos as a volunteer in 2007, would take over the job.
Our guess? Given that the Broncos dumped Sundquist before the draft, the Raiders might quickly come calling, if for no reason other than to find out what Denver is planning for the rookie selection weekend.

[Los Broncos]

Oh great, Oakland might sweep him up...

[Popps]

In an unrelated development

LOL

[Popps]

Look, folks... you don't question Mike Shanahan. You should know better than that...

http://blogs.trb.com/sports/football/jets/blog/guillotine.gif

[cabronco]

This reeks of a firing, and it reeks of a firing that may not be directly related to football related duties.

#10 on the Spitzer scandal...:ouwknow: seriously some shocking news that I didnt expect.

[rovolution]

I don't see how they will just "split up" Sundquists duties. That guy was in charge of most everything. I thought Ted did a brilliant job of managing the cap and making FA deals, but I think we understand the team is still looking in a new direction.

The question is - will the father and son Goodman team be any better? This is a crucial draft, there is a lot on the table. It should make for a very interesting draft (and season).

Bye Ted, thanks for the Portis / Bailey trade, and for the 2006 draft.

Mike Bluem does all the cap management

[plummershelper]

SUNDQUIST OUT AS BRONCOS G.M.
Back on November 8, 2007, we passed along a rumor that G.M. Ted Sundquist could end up being the scapegoat in Denver (http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2007/11/08/sundquist-to-be-the-scapegoat/).
In an unrelated development, Sundquist is out as the G.M. of the Denver Broncos (http://profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm#).
The team announced the move on Wednesday night, saying that he is "no longer with the team, effective immediately."
Said coach/de facto G.M. Mike Shanahan in a statement released by the Broncos: "I am grateful to Ted for all his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Broncos for the past 16 years. Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini camps and training camp."
The back end of the rumor that we heard back in November was that Mike Lombardi, who worked for the Broncos as a volunteer in 2007, would take over the job.
Our guess? Given that the Broncos dumped Sundquist before the draft, the Raiders might quickly come calling, if for no reason other than to find out what Denver is planning for the rookie selection weekend.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

:wave: Maybe the Goodman boys are the real reason for the last two drafts. Bowlen may just be looking for a way to save some more cash and make the office a more cheerful place to work without Sundick around:wave:

[Killericon]

Are there any Phil Savage-esque geniuses out there looking for a job?

[Maximus]

:rofl: I called this **** a long time ago. Shanarat is nothing but a scapegoat artist!

[rugbythug]

:rofl: I called this **** a long time ago. Shanarat is nothing but a scapegoat artist!
How exaclty is the goat escaping?

[Houshyamama]

:rofl: I called this **** a long time ago. Shanarat is nothing but a scapegoat artist!

What's the scapegoat artist's record against the Raiders? I don't remember, refresh my memory.

[rovolution]

:rofl: I called this **** a long time ago. Shanarat is nothing but a scapegoat artist!

the same scapegoat artist that almost won an undermanned Faide team a division title in 1988, and then was fired barely halfway into the next season, even after the team was one win away from winning a division the year before under the scapegoat artists regime, all while he was not allowed to make Tim Brown a starter just because Greasy Al said so?

[plummershelper]

My bad on the dual posts!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Pass that buck, Shanny.

[Popcorn Sutton]

My bad on the dual posts!

You have the ability to delete your own posts... figured I'd let you know.

Click edit on your post and there is an option to delete at the top.

[BroncoFiend]

wow i don't like this, it screams to me as Shanny making someone else the fall guy & going back to Gm duties

If they were making him the fall guy then they wouldn't have waited until mid March to let him go. As another poster mentioned the article doesn't specify if he quit or was fired. Given the timing of this I think this was Ted's call. Maybe he got a better offer elsewhere.

I could never really tell what he did and how much say he had...but I wish him luck.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

You guys don't know how good you have it. You think Herm will ever have the ability to ****ing FIRE Carl Peterson?

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

Pass that buck, Shanny.

And whats your teams excuse?

[Northman]

You guys don't know how good you have it. You think Herm will ever have the ability to ****ing FIRE Carl Peterson?

Nope, Carl will become the new Al Davis and will remain with the chiefs for eternity. :rofl:

[RMT]

shanny continues pinning the blame on others.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

And whats your teams excuse?

What? I've been very clear. We're led by incompetent baboons. The only redeeming quality one of them has is that he's a nice guy. The other is not.

[Kaylore]

Goodman was promoted a month ago. I suspect Sundquist probably saw the writing on the wall at that point.

[400HZ]

If I was a Bronco's fan, I'd hold out hope that maybe Bowlen wants to bring in a stronger personality to check Shanahan's personnel decisions. That would be a big plus for your organization in my opinion.

[BroncoBen]

All I can can is... what the F$$k...?

We need more information and less speculation.

[Rohirrim]

Hmmm, first Spitzer and now Sundquist. Could she be behind this one as well?
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/Papi728/ashley031208.jpg

[Bronco Yoda]

just in... Kubiak has been seen stalking Sundquist in the airport.

[RMT]

Hmmm, first Spitzer and now Sundquist. Could she be behind this one as well?
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/Papi728/ashley031208.jpg

no, but I wish that I could be behind that behind ;)

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

What? I've been very clear. We're led by incompetent baboons. The only redeeming quality one of them has is that he's a nice guy. The other is not.

Well with these qoute unqoute bad drafts we made the playoffs in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and went to AFC Champion in 2005. Why don't you right your own ship before talk about someone elses.

[Los Broncos]

Hmmm, first Spitzer and now Sundquist. Could she be behind this one as well?
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/Papi728/ashley031208.jpg

Who is that?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Well with these qoute unqoute bad drafts we made the playoffs in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and went to AFC Champion in 2005. Why don't you right your own ship before talk about someone elses.

The Chiefs and the Broncos have made the playoffs the same number of times in the last three years.

Besides, who cares? I'll criticize your team if I feel like it. They haven't accomplished jack for a decade now and some Broncos fans really need to wake up and smell the coffee. SHANNY IS TAPPED OUT.

[Rohirrim]

Who is that?

She's the reason Gov. Spitzer resigned today.

[rovolution]

If I was a Bronco's fan, I'd hold out hope that maybe Bowlen wants to bring in a stronger personality to check Shanahan's personnel decisions. That would be a big plus for your organization in my opinion.

it would also probably mean Shanahan will ask for his imminent release from his own deal.

many franchises would be more than willing to give Shanahan Parcells-like control of a ballclub.

[Los Broncos]

She's the reason Gov. Spitzer resigned today.

Ok now i get it, know her name?

[HEAV]

Interesting to say the least...

2008 is going to be a defining season for Shanahan. Boom or Bust it's now on him.

[bowtown]

What? I've been very clear. We're led by incompetent baboons. The only redeeming quality one of them has is that he's a nice guy. The other is not.

Bob, usually I'm a very nice person to almost everyone. That's why it pains me so much that you make it so easy for me to be a bastard. This was posted last year during trining camp by Bob:

OK, so I met Herm.

Nick had to do a podcast segment with him, so we met him in the Chiefs workout facility in an offense. Obviously I like Herm, so Nick introduces me and Herm smiles, I smile and shake his hand and say "I'm a big fan." I forget what Herm said but it was cool.

"blah blah blah, I want to have Herm's babies"

Then:

And I met Carl before the Herm meeting.

He said "Obviously you have your opinions" in regards to my writing, which I thought was funny.

He was nice. I told him I got his letter and called him "Mr. Peterson." He told me to call him Carl.

He did like the fact that I was out here every day though, taking "copious notes."

I'm going to try and set up an interview since he proposed one via email.

What happened, get rejected on that big date?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'm not really sure what your point is. I still like Herm. I recognize what he is, though.

[Punisher]

Whats going on..Why does Ted go when the draft is coming pretty soon... I sure hope this doesn't hurt us and the long run...Damn :oyvey:

[SureShot]

Do you guys really believe somehow Shanahan fired Ted? If so why now? Even if you plan on firing a GM you do it after the draft, so the teams plans can't be revealed beforehand.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

The Chiefs and the Broncos have made the playoffs the same number of times in the last three years.

Besides, who cares? I'll criticize your team if I feel like it. They haven't accomplished jack for a decade now and some Broncos fans really need to wake up and smell the coffee. SHANNY IS TAPPED OUT.

First why the yelling? Can't we handle some criticism of you favorite team.

Second as a team anything short of the super bowl is failure. But as a fan all playoff games is gravy.

Third "TAPPED OUT"? Can you say that about drafting Cutler, Marshall, Elvis, Sheffler(sp), and DJ Williams? Ranked 9th in rushing with the junk yard running backs. 11th in passing with a first year starter.

Forth i like how you slipped in that last part about make the playoffs the same amount of times. When we went beat the Pats and "Terrific Tom" and was one game away from the super bowl. While the chefs limped in and went "one and done".

[Killericon]

The Chiefs and the Broncos have made the playoffs the same number of times in the last three years.

Besides, who cares? I'll criticize your team if I feel like it. They haven't accomplished jack for a decade now and some Broncos fans really need to wake up and smell the coffee. SHANNY IS TAPPED OUT.

Yeah, hosting the AFC Championship game after going 13-3 doesn't qualify as an accomplishment. ROFL!

Whatever.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Yeah, hosting the AFC Championship game after going 13-3 doesn't qualify as an accomplishment. ROFL!

Whatever.

Only in the small minds of Broncos fans who grasp at straws.

[Maximus]

the same scapegoat artist that almost won an undermanned Faide team a division title in 1988, and then was fired barely halfway into the next season, even after the team was one win away from winning a division the year before under the scapegoat artists regime, all while he was not allowed to make Tim Brown a starter just because Greasy Al said so?

You don't know **** about your own coach. The rat never won a division title with the Raiders. :welcome:

[bowtown]

I'm not really sure what your point is. I still like Herm. I recognize what he is, though.

Bob, once again your reader didn't read you the entire post, or at least didn't explain the big words well enough.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

Yeah, hosting the AFC Championship game after going 13-3 doesn't qualify as an accomplishment. ROFL!

Whatever.

I think your sarcasm button is broken bob can read it right.

[Killericon]

Only in the small minds of Broncos fans who grasp at straws.

If hosting the Championship game isn't good enough for your lofty standards, when was the last time the Chiefs did ANYTHING of note?

Go ahead. Claim I'm "grasping at straws" or whatever.

[thumpc]

Everybody just calm down. Ted has been looking for a GM job with more control for years. He interviewed with the Bears a few years ago. He worked some good trades, was not the best talent evaluator but a decent manager. I'm encouraged by the change.

[Punisher]

The Chiefs and the Broncos have made the playoffs the same number of times in the last three years.

Besides, who cares? I'll criticize your team if I feel like it. They haven't accomplished jack for a decade now and some Broncos fans really need to wake up and smell the coffee. SHANNY IS TAPPED OUT.

YouR one to talk bob whens the last time your Team won a Super Bowl or matter of fact scratch that whens the last time your team won a Playoff game???And to put more salt on the wound your team is putting all there hope on Brodie Croyle...You need to wake up and smell the sh*t your team is shuffling.THE CHIEFS IS ALL TAPPED OUT

[CBF1]

Bowlen better mind his P's and Q's or Shanny will fire him next

[Maximus]

How exaclty is the goat escaping?

1. Ted Sundquist
2. Coyer
3. Rhodes

the list goes on and on... the rat is the only one who stays when things go bad its everyone elses fault... Offensive line problems... get rid of Gibbs. Defensive line problems get rid of coyer, Rhodes etc. Fugg up the draft get rid of sundquist!

[HEAV]

The shocking news of Ted Sundquist’s “immediate” departure as general manager of the Denver Broncos came via a terse three-paragraph release by the team Wednesday evening.

Even more stunning: Sundquist getting the word in similarly abrupt fashion from Mike Shanahan only about an hour earlier that he had been fired after six seasons in his current job and more than a decade and a half in the organization.

Director of player personnel Jim Goodman and assistant general manager Jeff Goodman will have expanded duties in football operations, while Joe Ellis, the club’s chief operating officer, will also now help on “operational and administrative issues related to football” in Sundquist’s place.

No other new hires are expected.

“I’m very disappointed,” Sundquist said when reached by phone. “I’ve been with the club for 16-plus seasons and loved every minute of it. I started at the bottom and worked my way up to become general manager of a NFL team and certainly have a great deal of love and admiration for the organization.

“I had envisioned myself being general manager of the Denver Broncos my entire working life and really thought that would happen. So for it to end this way, I’m very disappointed.”

As Shanahan’s right-hand man, Sundquist had wide-ranging power but still lacked final authority. Nevertheless, Sundquist orchestrated a slew of moves in recent years, including trades for Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly and draft maneuvering that landed Denver quarterback Jay Cutler while working hard to improve the club’s salary-cap health.

He was well-respected both in the agent and player-evaluation communities, serving on the board of directors of National Football Scouting.

But it appears a disconnect between Shanahan and Sundquist became untenable from the side that mattered most.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished as general manager of this football team,” Sundquist said.

Yet Denver’s 7-9 finish – and two straight years without the playoffs – have made Shanahan clearly agitated behind the scenes, which has been reflected in his offseason moves.

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates left rather than accept a demotion. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger bolted for essentially a lateral job in Tennessee. And Mike Lombardi, brought into the personnel department to gauge the talent level on the Broncos, submitted his report and immediately wasn’t retained.

Now, Sundquist is history, too.

“I’m very surprised,” Sundquist admitted.

The general manager was front and center at February’s combine, meeting with agents and evaluating talent. He was talking to player representatives even up to a couple days ago, before he went into daylong meetings about April’s college draft. Word is he was wrapping up one of those lengthy sessions with the club’s scouts when he was called into Shanahan’s office and let go.

Team owner Pat Bowlen, who originally promoted Sundquist to GM rather than perhaps lose him to the Atlanta Falcons in January 2002, was unavailable for comment.

Ellis and Jim Goodman also did not return calls.

While saying he was “grateful” for Sundquist’s contributions, Shanahan said in a written statement that, “Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini-camps and training camp.”

Sundquist, 45, had signed an extension through the 2008 season, with a joint option for ’09.

The Air Force grad began as a quasi-security office in Denver, but his first real entry-level job came as a college scout. He ascended to director of college scouting (1996-2001), then was promoted again, helping guide Denver to the fifth-best record in the league from 2002-07, including three playoff appearances and a AFC Championship appearance in ’05 despite some poor drafts earlier in the decade.

[bronco militia]

1. Ted Sundquist
2. Coyer
3. Rhodes

the list goes on and on... the rat is the only one who stays when things go bad its everyone elses fault... Offensive line problems... get rid of Gibbs. Defensive line problems get rid of coyer, Rhodes etc. Fugg up the draft get rid of sundquist!

come on ...shanny can only fire himself once Ha!

[HEAV]

This smells folks...this smells. Power struggle and Sundy lost.

2008 Mike will have only one person to blame. The man looking back at him in the mirror.

[Maximus]

The shocking news of Ted Sundquist’s “immediate” departure as general manager of the Denver Broncos came via a terse three-paragraph release by the team Wednesday evening.

Even more stunning: Sundquist getting the word in similarly abrupt fashion from Mike Shanahan only about an hour earlier that he had been fired after six seasons in his current job and more than a decade and a half in the organization.

Director of player personnel Jim Goodman and assistant general manager Jeff Goodman will have expanded duties in football operations, while Joe Ellis, the club’s chief operating officer, will also now help on “operational and administrative issues related to football” in Sundquist’s place.

No other new hires are expected.

“I’m very disappointed,” Sundquist said when reached by phone. “I’ve been with the club for 16-plus seasons and loved every minute of it. I started at the bottom and worked my way up to become general manager of a NFL team and certainly have a great deal of love and admiration for the organization.

“I had envisioned myself being general manager of the Denver Broncos my entire working life and really thought that would happen. So for it to end this way, I’m very disappointed.”

As Shanahan’s right-hand man, Sundquist had wide-ranging power but still lacked final authority. Nevertheless, Sundquist orchestrated a slew of moves in recent years, including trades for Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly and draft maneuvering that landed Denver quarterback Jay Cutler while working hard to improve the club’s salary-cap health.

He was well-respected both in the agent and player-evaluation communities, serving on the board of directors of National Football Scouting.

But it appears a disconnect between Shanahan and Sundquist became untenable from the side that mattered most.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished as general manager of this football team,” Sundquist said.

Yet Denver’s 7-9 finish – and two straight years without the playoffs – have made Shanahan clearly agitated behind the scenes, which has been reflected in his offseason moves.

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates left rather than accept a demotion. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger bolted for essentially a lateral job in Tennessee. And Mike Lombardi, brought into the personnel department to gauge the talent level on the Broncos, submitted his report and immediately wasn’t retained.

Now, Sundquist is history, too.

“I’m very surprised,” Sundquist admitted.

The general manager was front and center at February’s combine, meeting with agents and evaluating talent. He was talking to player representatives even up to a couple days ago, before he went into daylong meetings about April’s college draft. Word is he was wrapping up one of those lengthy sessions with the club’s scouts when he was called into Shanahan’s office and let go.

Team owner Pat Bowlen, who originally promoted Sundquist to GM rather than perhaps lose him to the Atlanta Falcons in January 2002, was unavailable for comment.

Ellis and Jim Goodman also did not return calls.

While saying he was “grateful” for Sundquist’s contributions, Shanahan said in a written statement that, “Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini-camps and training camp.”

Sundquist, 45, had signed an extension through the 2008 season, with a joint option for ’09.

The Air Force grad began as a quasi-security office in Denver, but his first real entry-level job came as a college scout. He ascended to director of college scouting (1996-2001), then was promoted again, helping guide Denver to the fifth-best record in the league from 2002-07, including three playoff appearances and a AFC Championship appearance in ’05 despite some poor drafts earlier in the decade.

So, sundquist made the moves for Bailey, Bly and Cutler... Shanarat coaches the team and can't win with them, so he fires the person who got the players. Too much ego... someone needs to lay the smack down on the rat!

[bronco militia]

This smells folks...this smells. Power struggle and Sundy lost.

2008 Mike will have only one person to blame. The man looking back at him in the mirror.

what difference does it make...most fans already do that every year

[Broncoman13]

This smells folks...this smells. Power struggle and Sundy lost.

2008 Mike will have only one person to blame. The man looking back at him in the mirror.

Which is just the way I want it! Next year it's either good on Shanny or Shanny must go. There's no one else for him to blame. I think he realizes this as well. Time to put up or shut up!

[SoDak Bronco]

Rick Smith anyone????

[Maximus]

The truth is Ratboy isn't the problem. The problem starts with Bowlen.... You don't offer anyone lifetime employment and full control over operations at the same time!

[Los Broncos]

Which is just the way I want it! Next year it's either good on Shanny or Shanny must go. There's no one else for him to blame. I think he realizes this as well. Time to put up or shut up!

I agree, im usually pretty positive when it comes to the team.

But this is the final draw, move forward or get out of the way.

[HEAV]

what difference does it make...most fans already do that every year

Except now he's placed all the cards down on the table. Before people would say "But Sudy is the GM, he does most of the deals"

Now it's all on Shanny's side, the Goodmans are unknown in the fans eye's. Now it's Shanny's team 100% in everyone's eye's.

If this goes south in 2008, well then Shanny will also be heading south. To Florida for a long vacation. Leaving this franchise with serious rebuilding (from a front office stand point).

My feeling is Bowlen is giving Shanny all the rope he needs to either climb the mountian or hang himself.

It's all on Shanny now.

[HEAV]

The truth is Ratboy isn't the problem. The problem starts with Bowlen.... You don't offer anyone lifetime employment and full control over operations at the same time!

Uhh So say's the fan of Al Davis's Raiders ::)

[Victor]

The truth is Ratboy isn't the problem. The problem starts with Bowlen.... You don't offer anyone lifetime employment and full control over operations at the same time!

Is that the truth? Thanks for coming along, bro, and setting us straight. You are so smart!!!

I think that the truth is that you don't know jack.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Who wants to bet that Slowik will be fired at the end of next season?

[OABB]

Who wants to bet that Slowik will be fired at the end of next season?

i'll bet you back out of the bet when you lose.

[Los Broncos]

i'll bet you back out of the bet when you lose.

I'm offering ten to one odds right now on this.

[CBF1]

This message is hidden because Bob's your Information Minister is on your ignore list.

[24champ]

Who wants to bet that Slowik will be fired at the end of next season?

Wanna Bet Bob?Ha!

[NW Bolt Fan]

With the O-line you guys have, and the expectations there are in Denver for offense... the rat has just sealed his own fate. DOOM.

[Punisher]

With the O-line you guys have, and the expectations there are in Denver for offense... the rat has just sealed his own fate. DOOM.

If your team hasn't won a super bowl your not allowed in this Thread :~ohyah!: :~ohyah!:

[CBF1]

If your team hasn't won a super bowl your not allowed in this Thread :~ohyah!: :~ohyah!:

Quit picking on the b itches

[DarkHorse30]

Everybody just calm down. Ted has been looking for a GM job with more control for years. He interviewed with the Bears a few years ago. He worked some good trades, was not the best talent evaluator but a decent manager. I'm encouraged by the change.

Bingo. Shanahan usually lets players AND coaches AND GMs (presumably) explore other opportunities when they come up.....unless he wants to lock 'em up with a contract. I also am encouraged by the new direction, and am very pleased by the last 2 drafts.

Question: What has Shanahan done in the last 10 years to warrant such bile from a portion of the fanbase? I realize everybody wants a SB every year, but I think a lot of fans on this board can't see the forest for the trees. He gets the most out of mediocre talent at times and seems to stay in the hunt for the playoffs nearly every year...even when injury takes a bloody ridiculous toll (like last year). What other coach do you want? Belichek? Cowher? Gibbs? IMO, Shanahan beats 'em all (yes I am biased, but I don't see any other coaches that I want RUNNING my team).

[OABB]

Bingo. Shanahan usually lets players AND coaches AND GMs (presumably) explore other opportunities when they come up.....unless he wants to lock 'em up with a contract. I also am encouraged by the new direction, and am very pleased by the last 2 drafts.

Question: What has Shanahan done in the last 10 years to warrant such bile from a portion of the fanbase? I realize everybody wants a SB every year, but I think a lot of fans on this board can't see the forest for the trees. He gets the most out of mediocre talent at times and seems to stay in the hunt for the playoffs nearly every year...even when injury takes a bloody ridiculous toll (like last year). What other coach do you want? Belichek? Cowher? Gibbs? IMO, Shanahan beats 'em all (yes I am biased, but I don't see any other coaches that I want RUNNING my team).

dude, this is the orange mane....

quit trying to make sense and quit being reasonable. we have not won a superbowl in ten years!

look at the success of the great teams like the chargers. we want drafts and players like that so we can be awesome and win the superbowl like they do every year.

look at indy, they won one in the last 30 years.

the steelers won one too!

[CBF1]

And the Patriots have won 3

[Maximus]

Is that the truth? Thanks for coming along, bro, and setting us straight.



I'm glad I could help you out Special Education isn't my specialty, but I'm glad that my lessons are starting to take hold in your pea brain...

[wabbit]

Only in the small minds of Broncos fans who grasp at straws.



...or the morbidly obese nobody who squeezes his johnson...or Larry Johnson...whatever is within reach.

On topic...This had to happen for a whole host of reasons...more will be coming out in the next few days & weeks, but the essence is that Sundquist wasn't getting the job done on many fronts.

Shanahan made the right decision here...in spades.

[Killericon]

And the Patriots have won 3

Oh.
My.
God.

We're not the best franchise in the league.

SOUND THE ALARM!

FIRE EVERYONE ON STAFF!

[SureShot]

End thread.

[SportinOne]

Here's the inside story: Pat Bowlen realized he was paying some guy a GM's salary when he really wasn't making any GM decisions. However, this was discovered a couple years ago and Ted just never got the memo. They've stopped his pay but haven't officially informed him of the firing.... more to come.

[Man-Goblin]

Weird.

[OABB]

And the Patriots have won 3

exactly!

we should petition the league to expel the broncos from the nfl because we have only won two superbowls to the patriots 3 in the last ten years.


I wonder if brady retired and there next best player tore his knee in half, if they would have won that third.

well, they do cheat, so I guess it's possible.

they are the greatest team of all time, however, so I guess we can't compete with them.

what's their record against us?

[Bronco Yoda]

And the Patriots have won 3

Mike just needs to learn how to cheat... or at least cheat better. Then we could have three *** as well

[DenverBrit]

...or the morbidly obese nobody who squeezes his johnson...or Larry Johnson...whatever is within reach.

On topic...This had to happen for a whole host of reasons...more will be coming out in the next few days & weeks, but the essence is that Sundquist wasn't getting the job done on many fronts.

Shanahan made the right decision here...in spades.


Thanks Wabbit, you may have spared us from more of the OMG!! WTF?? posts. ;)

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

Here's the inside story: Pat Bowlen realized he was paying some guy a GM's salary when he really wasn't making any GM decisions. However, this was discovered a couple years ago and Ted just never got the memo. They've stopped his pay but haven't officially informed him of the firing.... more to come.

Milton?

[talking on the phone] And I said, I don't care if they lay me off either, because I told, I told Pat that if they move my desk one more time, then, then I'm, I'm quitting, I'm going to quit. And, and I told Mike too, because they've moved my desk four times already this year, and I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels, and they were married, but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn't bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it's not okay because if they take my stapler then I'll set the building on fire...

[Punisher]

exactly!

we should petition the league to expel the broncos from the nfl because we have only won two superbowls to the patriots 3 in the last ten years.


I wonder if brady retired and there next best player tore his knee in half, if they would have won that third.

well, they do cheat, so I guess it's possible.

they are the greatest team of all time, however, so I guess we can't compete with them.

what's their record against us?
I beg the differ

[OABB]

...or the morbidly obese nobody who squeezes his johnson...or Larry Johnson...whatever is within reach.

On topic...This had to happen for a whole host of reasons...more will be coming out in the next few days & weeks, but the essence is that Sundquist wasn't getting the job done on many fronts.

Shanahan made the right decision here...in spades.

what do you know?

I'm siding with bob on this one. he's always on top of these things.

[~Crash~]

...or the morbidly obese nobody who squeezes his johnson...or Larry Johnson...whatever is within reach.

On topic...This had to happen for a whole host of reasons...more will be coming out in the next few days & weeks, but the essence is that Sundquist wasn't getting the job done on many fronts.

Shanahan made the right decision here...in spades.

that is all good and fine .....but the timing is craxy as hell

[SureShot]

that is all good and fine .....but the timing is craxy as hell

This has me stumped as well. I don't believe this can be a power play in anyway. This is a move Pat would have to sign off on. Im looking forward to hearing more of the story.

[OABB]

that is all good and fine .....but the timing is craxy as hell

nope. it's fonecin' craxy!

[chaz]

You don't know **** about your own coach. The rat never won a division title with the Raiders. :welcome:

he said "almost won" dumbass.

[wabbit]

This has me stumped as well. I don't believe this can be a power play in anyway. This is a move Pat would have to sign off on. Im looking forward to hearing more of the story.


The timing of this really is a head scratcher, and frankly, I thought loyalty issues would keep this guy around forever...so it's a surprise to me too, but Shanahan sets goals for his staff, and when they aren't met...and I mean over time & not just a few months or issues; they're shown the door.

We've seen it with coaches, you now see it within the management group.

I don't know the details, but I can honestly say I could see the need for a move within the GM office...I just thought the boys club atmosphere wouldn't let it happen for a while yet.

[cabronco]

I'm offering ten to one odds right now on this.

Dont do it, he's a known Welcher, amongst other things.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Maybe I'm misinformed about this since I'm not living in Denver any longer but I was under the impression that Sundquist's job as GM was essentially administrative in nature, meaning he took care of contract negotiations and what-not...no? Did he have any direct input into the draft? I thought that was exclusively Shanny's job with help from the scouts. Whoever has that job needs to be the one who gets replaced. I'm all for Shanny staying as coach but his drafts leave a lot to be desired and until we solve our inability to build this team through the draft it's not going to matter what other moves they make.

[OABB]

Maybe I'm misinformed about this since I'm not living in Denver any longer but I was under the impression that Sundquist's job as GM was essentially administrative in nature, meaning he took care of contract negotiations and what-not...no? Did he have any direct inut into the draft? I thought that was exclusively Shanny's job with help from the scouts. Whoever has that job needs to be the one who gets replaced. I'm all for Shanny staying as coach but his drafts leave a lot to be desired and until we solve our inability to build this team through the draft it's not going to matter what other moves they make.

all I know is, the drafts have been better, and goodman has something to do with them. I am inclined to think that this is the reason why Goodman moved up, and sundquist is out. but, we won't know for sometime, if ever...

like I said before, if this is true, than this is the best thing to happen around here in a long time.

[SureShot]

Any goal in particular? Lack of improvement on his blog?

[SlipperyPete]

Yeah, hosting the AFC Championship game after going 13-3 doesn't qualify as an accomplishment. ROFL!
It's an accomplishment like UCLA getting a #1 seed after their last two games will be an accomplishment. Sure, it technically happened, but nobody outside the home market thinks it was deserved. UCLA got handed two games by the refs, we got handed 14 points in a playoff game we won by the same margin.

Ask anyone outside Denver about the game that let us host the AFC championship and they remember the refs more than the Broncos. And then we got crushed a week later just to prove we didn't belong in the game.

Such happy memories.

[rovolution]

It's an accomplishment like UCLA getting a #1 seed after their last two games will be an accomplishment. Sure, it technically happened, but nobody outside the home market thinks it was deserved. UCLA got handed two games by the refs, we got handed 14 points in a playoff game we won by the same margin.

Ask anyone outside Denver about the game that let us host the AFC championship and they remember the refs more than the Broncos. And then we got crushed a week later just to prove we didn't belong in the game.

Such happy memories.

We didnt belong in that game? Refs?

In that Title Game:

Champ drops an INT Pick 6, Foxworth drops an easy INT, Fergeson lets another INT slip through his fingertips...


I wouldnt say overmatched at all, but missed numerous opportunities to win that game.

I believe we were the better team then Pittsburgh, regardless of what you and others think.


You know what, we went back to Pittsburgh in 2006 and destroyed essentially the same Pitt team. Javon Traitor destroyed the Steelers and demoralized Ike Taylor and their fanbase.

Taylor still hasnt recovered from the beating Javon gave him.


That same Steeler team comes back to Mile high this year and Jesus Christ Jay Cutler picks them apart and we still manage to win the game despite one of the worst defenses in Broncos history.

[Killericon]

It's an accomplishment like UCLA getting a #1 seed after their last two games will be an accomplishment. Sure, it technically happened, but nobody outside the home market thinks it was deserved. UCLA got handed two games by the refs, we got handed 14 points in a playoff game we won by the same margin.

Ask anyone outside Denver about the game that let us host the AFC championship and they remember the refs more than the Broncos. And then we got crushed a week later just to prove we didn't belong in the game.

Such happy memories.

I want to make this very clear, because it's really important.

****
THAT
****.

[Punisher]

It's an accomplishment like UCLA getting a #1 seed after their last two games will be an accomplishment. Sure, it technically happened, but nobody outside the home market thinks it was deserved. UCLA got handed two games by the refs, we got handed 14 points in a playoff game we won by the same margin.

Ask anyone outside Denver about the game that let us host the AFC championship and they remember the refs more than the Broncos. And then we got crushed a week later just to prove we didn't belong in the game.

Such happy memories.

Oh yea so what about the Champ Int and the Troy brown fumble.We deserved to be there like it or not the Steelers was just the better team..Plus jake was playing like a a-hole leading the team to draft Cutler..As for happy memories so what we didn't win the super bowl we had a great year.

[OABB]

It's an accomplishment like UCLA getting a #1 seed after their last two games will be an accomplishment. Sure, it technically happened, but nobody outside the home market thinks it was deserved. UCLA got handed two games by the refs, we got handed 14 points in a playoff game we won by the same margin.

Ask anyone outside Denver about the game that let us host the AFC championship and they remember the refs more than the Broncos. And then we got crushed a week later just to prove we didn't belong in the game.

Such happy memories.

umm...we consistently beat the Pastericks. so why is that game any different?

vinitieri's missed fg? saurbrauns forced fumble? champs pick? those were because the refs? are you talking about champs fumble? that was reviewed and not overturned...

so I guess what i am getting at is are you stupid?

[BowlenBall]

Overheard at Broncos HQ shortly before the axe fell:

Shanahan: “There’s this wide receiver out of California I’m really interested in taking with our first rounder this year….

Sundquist: “DeSean Jackson? I don’t know, we really need to improve our lines….”

<FONT size=3>Shanahan: “He reminds me of Marcus Nash coming out of college.”
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.orangemane.com/BB/ /><o:p></o:p>

[FONT=[/IMG][FONT=]<st1:State][SIZE=3></o:p>
<FONT]</st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”
<o:p></o:p>
<font face=" /><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Sundquist: “What about that Clady kid? Good left tackles are hard to find.”

<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Shanahan: “<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”

<FONT size=3>Sundquist: ‘You’re a no-brainer. What about Williams from Vanderbilt?”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a black Travis McGriff. He can’t miss.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “Mike, he’s 167 friggin’ pounds.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a Triandos Luke/Adrian Madise hybrid, with an Ashley Lelie mentality. He’s a difference-maker!.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “1…..6……friggin’….7!!!!!!”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “I haven’t scouted a receiver this good since Chris Cole.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “If we don’t draft O-line in the first, I quit.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

[Requiem]

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f150/hartcavalcade/sundquist_shanahan.jpg

[lookin' glass]

'To those fans who have shown undying support I thank you. For the rest of you, you're fired!'
Humbly yours,
M. Shanahan

[Kaylore]

The timing of this really is a head scratcher, and frankly, I thought loyalty issues would keep this guy around forever...so it's a surprise to me too, but Shanahan sets goals for his staff, and when they aren't met...and I mean over time & not just a few months or issues; they're shown the door.

We've seen it with coaches, you now see it within the management group.

I don't know the details, but I can honestly say I could see the need for a move within the GM office...I just thought the boys club atmosphere wouldn't let it happen for a while yet.
Given the way this happened, I have four theories on why this happened. People can take away what they want from it.

Theory 1: Goodman was slated to take over. They had him shadow Sundquist until he learned all the ropes. Then Goodman went to Shanahan and said "I thin I've got this figured out" after which Shanahan said "ok" and let Sundquist go.

Theory 2: When Goodman was tapped as the number 1.5 guy, some of the responsibilities of Sundquist were taken from him and given to Goodman. Goodman scouted Brandon Marshall, Jarvis Moss and Jay Cutler. As the draft approached, Sundquist and Goodman bonked heads over who had right to do what. It might have been an argument over the draft board, player personnel or some other such thing. A power struggle ensued and one of them went to Shanahan to complain after which Shanahan brought the hammer down.

Theory 3: Shanahan is using Sundquist as a scape goat. After the failures of several draft and free agent acquisitions, including the Browncos, trading for Kennedy, and other such busts as well as the poor season, Shanahan tries to pass this off onto the GM. I find this hard to believe because if Shanahan wanted to do that he would have done so at the end of the season.

Theory 4: This came from upstairs. Bowlen decided to get rid of Sundquist, a Shanahan yes-man in large degree, after he blew a bunch of his money on players that didn't perform last year. Goodman is brought in with his own philosophy for the team and personnel to counter balance Shanahan and watch the bottom line.

I personally think it was a combination of one and two and maybe a bit of three. That article saying Sundquist was responsible for the Bailey trade is bogus. Rick Smith was the real talent behind all those great trades with the Redskins, not Sundquist, though Sundquist was only too happy to step in and act the hero. The Texans got the better talent evaluator and its reflected in their draft success.

Ask anyone that's come to know Sundquist personally and they'll tell you he's an egomaniac. The Browncos were his brainchild. I believe trading our sixth for Jamie Kennedy was his as well. I'm not sure on the others but I know he claims to have knowledge on defensive linemen. For those of you hating our defensive line, Sundquist deserves at least half of the blame for that.

[CBF1]

Overheard at Broncos HQ shortly before the axe fell:

Shanahan: “There’s this wide receiver out of California I’m really interested in taking with our first rounder this year….

Sundquist: “DeSean Jackson? I don’t know, we really need to improve our lines….”

<FONT size=3>Shanahan: “He reminds me of Marcus Nash coming out of college.”
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.orangemane.com/BB/ /><o:p></o:p>

[FONT=[/IMG][FONT=]<st1:State][SIZE=3></o:p>
<FONT]</st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”
<o:p></o:p>
<font face=" /><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Sundquist: “What about that Clady kid? Good left tackles are hard to find.”

<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Shanahan: “<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”

<FONT size=3>Sundquist: ‘You’re a no-brainer. What about Williams from Vanderbilt?”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a black Travis McGriff. He can’t miss.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “Mike, he’s 167 friggin’ pounds.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a Triandos Luke/Adrian Madise hybrid, with an Ashley Lelie mentality. He’s a difference-maker!.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “1…..6……friggin’….7!!!!!!”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “I haven’t scouted a receiver this good since Chris Cole.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “If we don’t draft O-line in the first, I quit.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”


Classic..... sad but a classic anyways :notworthy

[CBF1]

I might not understand business, But is a General Manager a higher position than head coach??

If it is the case, wouldn't Bowlen (Owner) fire the GM?

I use Bill Parcells and the example. He gets hired as GM of the fish and fires the head coach. Maybe I do not get this whole business thingie.

[Requiem]

I'd give Ed Lambert credit for Jay and Brandon.

[24champ]

I might not understand business, But is a General Manager a higher position than head coach??



Not when Shanny is also executive Vice-President of Football operations and has a clause in his contract that says you have total control of the football team.

[summerdenver]

Theory 4: This came from upstairs. Bowlen decided to get rid of Sundquist, a Shanahan yes-man in large degree, after he blew a bunch of his money on players that didn't perform last year. Goodman is brought in with his own philosophy for the team and personnel to counter balance Shanahan and watch the bottom line.



I hope its theory 4.

[CBF1]

Not when Shanny is also executive Vice-President of Football operations and has a clause in his contract that says you have total control of the football team.

Bowlen should be scared to death.... He might be the next to get voted off.:spit:

[cabronco]

Not when Shanny is also executive Vice-President of Football operations and has a clause in his contract that says you have total control of the football team.

Yup so that makes sense in the interviews after the butt whippings on the field, that Shanny said he's embarrased and am responsible for the horrible losses. He said it a few times last year, as much as he hated to.

[cutthemdown]

Shanny has more power than Ted ever did at GM. Hence the Final say portion of Shanny's contract.


Sounds like he was canned because Shanny is actually seizing more control and tightening up the ship in Dove Valley. Hence it also why Bates got canned too.

Shanny better have a good season this coming season or his neck will be the next one to be axed.

maybe shanny knows that and because of that he figures if I'm going down I'm going down at the controls.

[24champ]

maybe shanny knows that and because of that he figures if I'm going down I'm going down at the controls.

Yeah that's part of it. The other part of it is that Shanny wants to reassert control in Dove Valley, I think the last couple years things have tailspinned out of control with contracts and bringing in nutjobs like "Hot 97". Kaylore hit the nail on the head with Theory number 1.

I'm glad Goodman is going to have a bigger say in this draft. Just throwing this out there, but we could be seeing some sort of reunion of Cutler's buddies with Williams and Bennett...

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/ot/chriswilliams.html

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/earlbennett.html

[rovolution]

You don't know **** about your own coach. The rat never won a division title with the Raiders. :welcome:

You cant read, for starters(said almost).

Plus, you dont even know the history of your own franchise.

Im guessing your one of the Faider fans that became a fan when Gannon, Rice, Romo, and Rod Woodson joined the team.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/1988.htm?redir

The last game of the season against Seattle. Jokeland wins, and Mike Shanahan wins Al Davis an AFC West Title, coming off a humiliating 5-10 1987 campaign to close out Flores' tenure.

if Shanny was allowed to start Tim Brown in that game, they probably would have won it, but Al didnt want Brown to be a starter, while Shanny though Tim could have been more than a returner and slot guy.

[Atlas]

Who is this Ted Sundquist guy anyway? I don't think he ever did anything for the Broncos. Who knows even if he is a real guy? Probably someone made up by Bowlen. Just so he can say Denver has a General manager.

[fontaine]

Are there any Phil Savage-esque geniuses out there looking for a job?

Don't remind me.

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?p=1436290&highlight=savage#post1436290

I wanted Savage to be brought in here a few years ago when he took over the Brown's gig. The guy is a real GM who actually knows how to draft instead of just managing the cap.

As for Sundquist, no big loss.

[Drek]

Makes sense to me. Shanahan has basically had final say on who we pursue year in and year out as it is, Sundquist just needed to get the contracts done and manage the cap.

Considering that, and considering some of the cap problems we went through before last off-season and all the money we promptly threw around as soon as we had some breathing room under the cap, it makes sense.

This off-season of frugality is much more a result of Bowlen paying out an astronomical sum of real cash to a half dozen players as opposed to actual cap hardship. We've recently learneded that over half the teams in the league understand a capology concept of being able to lend cap room from one season to the following, we haven't done anything like that in a long time.

Every year we have dead weight on the books. Every year we go shopping for new high priced free agents we come back with some guys who are sure fire future dead weight. Sundquist didn't do a good job managing the contracts and how they relate to this team's financial structure from year to year or long term. Player budget-wise thats a total failure. Why would we want to keep him here?

[dbfan21]

Goodman was promoted a month ago. I suspect Sundquist probably saw the writing on the wall at that point.

The same thought ran through my mind. I remember saying to myself that a change in power is on the horizon. What's the story with the Goodman guys? Are they related? Why do we have so many relatives working for the Broncos?

Past/Present family ties:

Jim & Jeremy Bates
Kyle & Mike Shanahan
Champ & Boss Bailey
And now the Goodman brothers?

By the way, are they related to John Goodman? He was great on that show, Roseanne! J/K :)

[2KBack]

The same thought ran through my mind. I remember saying to myself that a change in power is on the horizon. What's the story with the Goodman guys? Are they related? Why do we have so many relatives working for the Broncos?

Past/Present family ties:

Jim & Jeremy Bates
Kyle & Mike Shanahan
Champ & Boss Bailey
And now the Goodman brothers?

By the way, are they related to John Goodman? He was great on that show, Roseanne! J/K :)

I don't think Kyle ever had an actual position with Denver, Alex and David Gibbs did though.

[Tombstone RJ]

...or the morbidly obese nobody who squeezes his johnson...or Larry Johnson...whatever is within reach.

On topic...This had to happen for a whole host of reasons...more will be coming out in the next few days & weeks, but the essence is that Sundquist wasn't getting the job done on many fronts.

Shanahan made the right decision here...in spades.

I truly hope your right Wabbit. There needs to be some kind of check and balances in this organization and ultimately, Shanahan has the final say in all football operations. If the team isn't performing the way it's expected too, Shanahan needs to look in the mirror. IMO, there's too many scapegoats for Shanahan to point fingers at.

If all Shanahan has is "yes" men around him, the organization is going to stay firmly grounded in mediocrity.

[vancejohnson82]

If all Shanahan has is "yes" men around him, the organization is going to stay firmly grounded in mediocrity.

see, I think you may have hit the nail on the head with this thinking...there is obviously a problem with player personnel decisions right now and $hit rolls downhill....for all of you Shanny haters, that means that the next person on the chopping block is the Mastermind...in Denver, that seems to be the way things have been working....problems with teh defense, fire the coordinator...problems again? ok, now lets start getting rid of some of the guys we are paying who aren't doing their jobs....player personnel problems? fire the Gm...problems again? ok, maybe it's the next guy in line

the Daniel Graham contract was absurd...as are some of the other contracts that have been inked int he past 3-4 years....that is Sundquist right? I mean, Shanny decides who we go after but he doesnt negotiate the terms, does he?

[2KBack]

I truly hope your right Wabbit. There needs to be some kind of check and balances in this organization and ultimately, Shanahan has the final say in all football operations. If the team isn't performing the way it's expected too, Shanahan needs to look in the mirror. IMO, there's too many scapegoats for Shanahan to point fingers at.

If all Shanahan has is "yes" men around him, the organization is going to stay firmly grounded in mediocrity.

I really think the whole Shannahan as a dictator thing is just a convenient complaint. The only people I've ever heard complaining about the "little man upstairs," have been crappy ex-players. I've never heard of any ex-coach complaining that Shanny didn't let him do his job. If Sundquist comes out and states that he had no power as a GM, and that he got a raw deal, then maybe that will lend some credit to the Emperor Shanny accusations.

Has anyone considered that a collection of coaches that are on the same page (some may call them yes men), would actually be better for the team than a bunch of inner squabbling?

[dbfan21]

I don't think Kyle ever had an actual position with Denver, Alex and David Gibbs did though.

That's right. I forgot about Dave & Alex Gibbs. Thanks 2kBack!

Either way, I wonder what the fascination is with family ties in the Broncos organization.

[55CrushEm]

The timing of this really is a head scratcher, and frankly, I thought loyalty issues would keep this guy around forever...so it's a surprise to me too, but Shanahan sets goals for his staff, and when they aren't met...and I mean over time & not just a few months or issues; they're shown the door.

We've seen it with coaches, you now see it within the management group.

I don't know the details, but I can honestly say I could see the need for a move within the GM office...I just thought the boys club atmosphere wouldn't let it happen for a while yet.

Unless it's Jim Bates......

[socalorado]

So Sundquists out. Shanny will live or die by his own decisions this year.
But hey, did anyone see this???


BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com
March 13, 2008
Article tools

Veteran cornerback Ty Law, who had his most productive years with the Patriots and had 10 interceptions in 2005 for the Jets, spent the day visiting with team officials as a free agent. After two seasons with the Chiefs, the 34-year-old Law was released last month. According to an NFL source, the Jets are being very aggressive in their pursuit of Law - Jets coach Eric Mangini was Law's position coach in New England and the two share a close relationship - but he's unlikely to sign a contract until he hears any potential offer from the Patriots. Law likely is looking for a multiyear contract. The Jets also entertained cornerback Donald Strickland ( 49ers) yesterday.

Meanwhile, talks between the Jets and Broncos on a trade that could send Dewayne Robertson to Denver have been resurrected, according to another source (though it's unclear whether yesterday's announcement that Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist is no longer with the team will temper or accelerate the conversations). The Jets are trying to deal Robertson not only because he never truly fit in their 3-4 defensive scheme but also because he is due a $3-million roster bonus on June 1 and, under his current contract, would count more than $11 million against the salary cap in 2008.
Terms of any potential deal were not known, but they could involve cornerback Domonique Foxworth. With visits from Law and Strickland, the Jets clearly are interested in bolstering that position. The Jets had a tentative trade in place with the Bengals this month that would have given them a fourth- and a fifth-round pick in exchange for the defensive tackle, but that deal fell through

[Killericon]

So Sundquists out. Shanny will live or die by his own decisions this year.
But hey, did anyone see this???


BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com
March 13, 2008
Article tools

Veteran cornerback Ty Law, who had his most productive years with the Patriots and had 10 interceptions in 2005 for the Jets, spent the day visiting with team officials as a free agent. After two seasons with the Chiefs, the 34-year-old Law was released last month. According to an NFL source, the Jets are being very aggressive in their pursuit of Law - Jets coach Eric Mangini was Law's position coach in New England and the two share a close relationship - but he's unlikely to sign a contract until he hears any potential offer from the Patriots. Law likely is looking for a multiyear contract. The Jets also entertained cornerback Donald Strickland ( 49ers) yesterday.

Meanwhile, talks between the Jets and Broncos on a trade that could send Dewayne Robertson to Denver have been resurrected, according to another source (though it's unclear whether yesterday's announcement that Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist is no longer with the team will temper or accelerate the conversations). The Jets are trying to deal Robertson not only because he never truly fit in their 3-4 defensive scheme but also because he is due a $3-million roster bonus on June 1 and, under his current contract, would count more than $11 million against the salary cap in 2008.
Terms of any potential deal were not known, but they could involve cornerback Domonique Foxworth. With visits from Law and Strickland, the Jets clearly are interested in bolstering that position. The Jets had a tentative trade in place with the Bengals this month that would have given them a fourth- and a fifth-round pick in exchange for the defensive tackle, but that deal fell through

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome. Foxworth + a 5th, maybe?

[footstepsfrom#27]

Shanahan is the only guy in this organization who is going to get a free pass from Bowlen. Yet it's his decisions that have led to 1) crappy player personell moves in the draft, and 2) poor decisions making on the coaching staff. I made the point when Bates was hired that he's just the latest in a long line of DC's brought in to fix a problem that never gets solved with anything more than bandaid solutions like the temporary fixes in the d-line we're constantly pursuing. I'm not a Shanny hater. I think he's a top shelf coach with the HOF in his future but when does this guy actually have to become accountable for his own mistakes? I can't see blaming Sundquist for Denver bringing in a bunch of high priced FA types who under achieve. We do that consistently and last year was just an extreme example. What about the tendency to draft or trade for players with character and medical issues have to do with Sundquist? That's Shanny's river boat gambler coming out, not Sundquist. Denver's consistently contended in this division primarily because we've had a consistent thread of continuity running through the organization while our divisional opponents have had to endure a lot of upheaval in the coaching ranks. Bowlen needs to be careful here because if the Goodman's are suddenly going to be acting like "real" GM's (isn't that a one man job BTW?) then a future power struggle with Shanahan is on the horizon, and I don't see him staying put if he thinks his power is being diluted in any way.

[socalorado]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome. Foxworth + a 5th, maybe?

As long as its not for anything higher than the 2nd, 4th rounder, i'm ok with it.
Better not give up that 2nd though.
DEN NEEDS every high draft pick it has right now sooooo damn bad, for some quality on both lines.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Shanahan is the only guy in this organization who is going to get a free pass from Bowlen. Yet it's his decisions that have led to 1) crappy player personell moves in the draft, and 2) poor decisions making on the coaching staff. I made the point when Bates was hired that he's just the latest in a long line of DC's brought in to fix a problem that never gets solved with anything more than bandaid solutions like the temporary fixes in the d-line we're constantly pursuing. I'm not a Shanny hater. I think he's a top shelf coach with the HOF in his future but when does this guy actually have to become accountable for his own mistakes? I can't see blaming Sundquist for Denver bringing in a bunch of high priced FA types who under achieve. We do that consistently and last year was just an extreme example. What about the tendency to draft or trade for players with character and medical issues have to do with Sundquist? That's Shanny's river boat gambler coming out, not Sundquist. Denver's consistently contended in this division primarily because we've had a consistent thread of continuity running through the organization while our divisional opponents have had to endure a lot of upheaval in the coaching ranks. Bowlen needs to be careful here because if the Goodman's are suddenly going to be acting like "real" GM's (isn't that a one man job BTW?) then a future power struggle with Shanahan is on the horizon, and I don't see him staying put if he thinks his power is being diluted in any way.

Sundquist goes into great detail on his blog (which may be removed by now) defending the poor draft picks over the last several years. He also talks about the decision making process when it comes to medical and character risks. The way he talks in the blogs it sounds like he was clearly behind most if not all of those picks like Pierce, Toviessi, Middlebrooks, Foster etc.

Bummer, I just checked and they have removed his blogs... I guess you'll have to take my word for it. :thumbsup:

[rugbythug]

In the post you see Some of what was going on. Sundquist said Lynch didn't have much left which pissed off Lynch. And he also Emailed Klis at the Post bitching about personal Moves, and saying he did not always agree with them.

It is fine to have disagreements inside the office I nearly always do. But you do not take them into the street. Once a decision is made you stick with it to the outside world. Back stabbing will only make things worse.

[Rohirrim]

What I've enjoyed most about this thread is Fader fan and Cheffie coming in and giving advice about how to run a franchise. Hilarious!

[footstepsfrom#27]

Sundquist goes into great detail on his blog (which may be removed by now) defending the poor draft picks over the last several years. He also talks about the decision making process when it comes to medical and character risks. The way he talks in the blogs it sounds like he was clearly behind most if not all of those picks like Pierce, Toviessi, Middlebrooks, Foster etc.

Bummer, I just checked and they have removed his blogs... I guess you'll have to take my word for it. :thumbsup:
I'm gonne go out on a limb here and assume that Sundquist is not going to describe himself as Mike Shanahan's puppet for the last few years on his way out the door if he wants to land another gig, which is what he'd be doing if he said he was not on board with these moves. Shanny has clearly been the guy with the power here so why would Sundquist even think about crossing him on personnel moves? I really think this guy was more of a bean counter than a talent evaluator/football operations guru.

[footstepsfrom#27]

In the post you see Some of what was going on. Sundquist said Lynch didn't have much left which pissed off Lynch. And he also Emailed Klis at the Post b****ing about personal Moves, and saying he did not always agree with them.
For real? Was this after he was fired or prior to it? If he did this while sitll employed with Denver then that's why he's gone.

[400HZ]

So if Shanahan really is turning this into a do or die year for himself, what do you think he has to accomplishto pull off an acceptable season? Winning record? Playoffs? Playoff win? What do you think happens if he's 7-9 again?

[2KBack]

I'm gonne go out on a limb here and assume that Sundquist is not going to describe himself as Mike Shanahan's puppet for the last few years on his way out the door if he wants to land another gig, which is what he'd be doing if he said he was not on board with these moves. Shanny has clearly been the guy with the power here so why would Sundquist even think about crossing him on personnel moves? I really think this guy was more of a bean counter than a talent evaluator/football operations guru.

That doesn't make any sense. Why would anyone try to take credit or even defend failures that could be attributed to him? If those picks weren't his decision, then he should distance himself from them, or at least shut up. There is no logic in even addressing them if he was powerless in those decisions.

[Spider]

Paging Telluride , Wolf what ever in the hell your name is , and a few other posters that are not good enough to have their names remembered .. time to step up ladies and here is your chance to show off your football genius ,and be able to **** can shanny ........

[Man-Goblin]

For real? Was this after he was fired or prior to it? If he did this while sitll employed with Denver then that's why he's gone.

I was confused about this as well, but the article seems to reference an off-the-record e-mail sent to Kisla back in december. It's pretty interesting to read, and most likely Kisla got permission to run it after Sundquist's dismissal.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8553826

[jonny1]

For real? Was this after he was fired or prior to it? If he did this while sitll employed with Denver then that's why he's gone.


http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8553826

From the article:

Those frustrations came spilling out in an electronic message Sund- quist sent me Dec. 3, as yet another unsatisfying Broncos season unraveled.

"I'm personally willing to stand up for the decisions that have been made, but understand I don't necessarily agree with them. The military taught me a lot about how to handle situations like that," Sundquist wrote, after the Broncos blew a road game to lowly Oakland that dropped their record to 5-7.

Within 24 hours of the discouraging defeat, Sundquist fired off a lengthy, unsolicited e-mail. He shared the unenviable challenges of working for a football franchise ruled at the top by Shanahan, and the criticism always rolled downhill, falling on the head of a quarterback, defensive coordinator or general manager.

[bronco militia]

wow!

[Spider]

I heard Plummer wrote a very similar Email to Sunquist ..But Plummers got intercepted ....

[2KBack]

I was confused about this as well, but the article seems to reference an off-the-record e-mail sent to Kisla back in december. It's pretty interesting to read, and most likely Kisla got permission to run it after Sundquist's dismissal.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8553826

My question would be, when did he start getting pissed off at the decisions? If he is pissed about the last couple seasons, then he's insane. Aside from Travis Henry's (and the Bate's Dline musical chairs) issues the last couple offseasons have been pretty nice.

[bronco militia]

but it sounds like he was pissed off about the way the media portrays his position in the organization.

Kizla always has an ear for this kind of stuff

[Gcver2ver3]

Overheard at Broncos HQ shortly before the axe fell:

Shanahan: “There’s this wide receiver out of California I’m really interested in taking with our first rounder this year….

Sundquist: “DeSean Jackson? I don’t know, we really need to improve our lines….”

<FONT size=3>Shanahan: “He reminds me of Marcus Nash coming out of college.”
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.orangemane.com/BB/ /><o:p></o:p>

[FONT=[/IMG][FONT=]<st1:State][SIZE=3></o:p>
<FONT]</st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”
<o:p></o:p>
<font face=" /><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>
<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Sundquist: “What about that Clady kid? Good left tackles are hard to find.”

<FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Shanahan: “<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is Darius Watts without the handicap. He’s a no-brainer.”

<FONT size=3>Sundquist: ‘You’re a no-brainer. What about Williams from Vanderbilt?”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a black Travis McGriff. He can’t miss.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “Mike, he’s 167 friggin’ pounds.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is a Triandos Luke/Adrian Madise hybrid, with an Ashley Lelie mentality. He’s a difference-maker!.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “1…..6……friggin’….7!!!!!!”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “I haven’t scouted a receiver this good since Chris Cole.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Sundquist: “If we don’t draft O-line in the first, I quit.”
<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Shanahan: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Ha! ....LOL ............ROFL! ............:spit: ...

[bowtown]

I heard Plummer wrote a very similar Email to Sunquist ..But Plummers got intercepted ....

That's because he wrote it with his left hand.

[Spider]

but it sounds like he was pissed off about the way the media portrays his position in the organization.

Kizla always has an ear for this kind of stuff

Kizla ........nevermind

[colonelbeef]

many franchises would be more than willing to give Shanahan Parcells-like control of a ballclub.

Ding Ding Ding.

Keep Shanahan here for life please. Who else would have had the foresight to draft Jay Cutler 1 year removed from the AFC championship game, with a relatively young QB in Jake Plummer already in place?

[clint7]

I was never a big Sundquist fan. I always found him to be smug and to carry a giant ego. His blog, his whine sessions to Kiszla (unsolicited emails no less), and insulting a player in the press-- suggesting Lynch (a team leader) didn't have anything left, isn't the way GMs should operate. Even if what he said was true about Lynch, you say that stuff behind closed doors with staff, the player, agent, etc...not to the press DURING the season.

His blogs suggest he was behind picks and moves that in hindsight have gone sour...but then covers his butt by yapping to a reporter in emails that "maybe" he might not have been 100% behind some things. That's bush league.

For all we know, these recent good drafts might be because of Goodman and in spite of Sundquist. I for one won't shed any tears that he's gone. Again, I might be biased, I never was a fan of the man. I look forward to more involvement by Goodman and no involvement by Sundquist.

[Tom A Hawk]

Highly doubtful...in today's NFL if you find a good GM he is worth every penny to keep.


except in KC where King Carl continues to drive this team into a major shipwreck. He isn't worth a penny and he is still here. Like some of you have said, I guess the whole story isn't known but your team at least says enough is enough. Did your GM give the coach whatever he wanted or did he pick for the coach and say here you are. If Shannahan has picked all those free agent busts from the last couple of years, they may have canned the wrong guy. Shanny seems to be pretty bullet proof, I guess we will see how that ends up. Please feel free to pick up Carl Peterson as your new GM. Then when Shanny gets fired, you can have Herm. You can then dump most of your roster go youth movement completely through the draft and have a 4 win team for several years.

[DenverBrit]

I was never a big Sundquist fan. I always found him to be smug and to carry a giant ego. His blog, his whine sessions to Kiszla (unsolicited emails no less), and insulting a player in the press-- suggesting Lynch (a team leader) didn't have anything left, isn't the way GMs should operate. Even if what he said was true about Lynch, you say that stuff behind closed doors with staff, the player, agent, etc...not to the press DURING the season.

His blogs suggest he was behind pick and moves that in hindsight have gone sour...but then covers his butt by yapping to a reporter in emails that "maybe" he might not have been 100% behind some things. That's bush league.

For all we know, these recent good drafts might be because of Goodman and in spite of Sundquist. I for one won't shed any tears that he's gone. Again, I might be biased, I never was a fan of the man. I look forward to more involvement by Goodman and no involvement by Sundquist.


I believe you hit a hole in one. :thumbs:

[ND Bronco Fan]

All I hope is that whoever has been doing the drafts for the last few years is still on staff cuz its exciting to have that much young talent.

[DenverBroncosJM]

This reeks of a firing, and it reeks of a firing that may not be directly related to football related duties.

I agree. This is way to fast esp. with the draft coming up. If the Broncos are not happy with him they do not wait this long to fire him. Something happened whether it was football related or not.

[Cito Pelon]

it would also probably mean Shanahan will ask for his imminent release from his own deal.

many franchises would be more than willing to give Shanahan Parcells-like control of a ballclub.

I seriously doubt that. Shanahan doesn't have much of a rep anymore. Maybe one owner would be foolish enough to.

[Cito Pelon]

The shocking news of Ted Sundquist’s “immediate” departure as general manager of the Denver Broncos came via a terse three-paragraph release by the team Wednesday evening.

Even more stunning: Sundquist getting the word in similarly abrupt fashion from Mike Shanahan only about an hour earlier that he had been fired after six seasons in his current job and more than a decade and a half in the organization.

Director of player personnel Jim Goodman and assistant general manager Jeff Goodman will have expanded duties in football operations, while Joe Ellis, the club’s chief operating officer, will also now help on “operational and administrative issues related to football” in Sundquist’s place.

No other new hires are expected.

“I’m very disappointed,” Sundquist said when reached by phone. “I’ve been with the club for 16-plus seasons and loved every minute of it. I started at the bottom and worked my way up to become general manager of a NFL team and certainly have a great deal of love and admiration for the organization.

“I had envisioned myself being general manager of the Denver Broncos my entire working life and really thought that would happen. So for it to end this way, I’m very disappointed.”

As Shanahan’s right-hand man, Sundquist had wide-ranging power but still lacked final authority. Nevertheless, Sundquist orchestrated a slew of moves in recent years, including trades for Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly and draft maneuvering that landed Denver quarterback Jay Cutler while working hard to improve the club’s salary-cap health.

He was well-respected both in the agent and player-evaluation communities, serving on the board of directors of National Football Scouting.

But it appears a disconnect between Shanahan and Sundquist became untenable from the side that mattered most.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished as general manager of this football team,” Sundquist said.

Yet Denver’s 7-9 finish – and two straight years without the playoffs – have made Shanahan clearly agitated behind the scenes, which has been reflected in his offseason moves.

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates left rather than accept a demotion. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger bolted for essentially a lateral job in Tennessee. And Mike Lombardi, brought into the personnel department to gauge the talent level on the Broncos, submitted his report and immediately wasn’t retained.

Now, Sundquist is history, too.

“I’m very surprised,” Sundquist admitted.

The general manager was front and center at February’s combine, meeting with agents and evaluating talent. He was talking to player representatives even up to a couple days ago, before he went into daylong meetings about April’s college draft. Word is he was wrapping up one of those lengthy sessions with the club’s scouts when he was called into Shanahan’s office and let go.

Team owner Pat Bowlen, who originally promoted Sundquist to GM rather than perhaps lose him to the Atlanta Falcons in January 2002, was unavailable for comment.

Ellis and Jim Goodman also did not return calls.

While saying he was “grateful” for Sundquist’s contributions, Shanahan said in a written statement that, “Now is the time for our organization to move forward and look at new directions. We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our mini-camps and training camp.”

Sundquist, 45, had signed an extension through the 2008 season, with a joint option for ’09.

The Air Force grad began as a quasi-security office in Denver, but his first real entry-level job came as a college scout. He ascended to director of college scouting (1996-2001), then was promoted again, helping guide Denver to the fifth-best record in the league from 2002-07, including three playoff appearances and a AFC Championship appearance in ’05 despite some poor drafts earlier in the decade.

Betsy Klein is putting her mark on the organization. Apparently, she'd seen enough of Sundquist.

[400HZ]

I seriously doubt that. Shanahan doesn't have much of a rep anymore. Maybe one owner would be foolish enough to.

I'd rather have Norv, especially if Shanahan is bringing his craptastic personnel evaluation system with him.

[broncosteven]

Where is Telurides Rant on Shanny?

I looked through the thread but I all saw was this:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_8553826?source=rss

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'd rather have Norv, especially if Shanahan is bringing his craptastic personnel evaluation system with him.

The whole stinking division is a joke anymore.

Herm's a joke, Norv's a joke, Shanny's a has-been, Kiffin's had his balls cut off.

AJ Smith is the only guy with any value.

[OABB]

I'd rather have Norv, especially if Shanahan is bringing his craptastic personnel evaluation system with him.

lol! funniest post of the day.

wait.....are you serious?

if you are,

that's the funniest post of the year.

[bronco militia]

I'd rather have Norv, especially if Shanahan is bringing his craptastic personnel evaluation system with him.

wow! just wow!

there's just no way in hell you just posted that with a straight face

Ha!

[broncosteven]

I'd rather have Norv, especially if Shanahan is bringing his craptastic personnel evaluation system with him.

I would rather have Shanny,

Every Mastermind has bad times, Look at Belly.

[montrose]

I seriously doubt that. Shanahan doesn't have much of a rep anymore. Maybe one owner would be foolish enough to.

I think as Broncos fans, we've been spoiled to a degree. For those who don't think Shanahan has a rep, think again. Numerous, numerous, times in interviews on both NFL Network and Sirius NFL Radio I've heard multiple coaches, GM's and exec's quickly name Shanahan right behind Belichick when discussing the top coaches in the game. While I certainly agree that a person can burn out over time with one franchise, and that could eventually lead to Shanahan's departure, I have no doubt he won't find himself a new HC job within days of leaving Denver if he should choose to take one. He could go back to coach in college or any number of NFL teams. In fact, I could think of several teams who would let their current guy go to get Shanahan, he's that good. As far as complete control, I'm not sure how much luck he'd have getting that again although I can recall several interviews where he said he'd never take a job without control again following his work for Greasy Al, that may change with time but I'm inclined to believe that's still the case. Regardless, I'd venture to say that (based on a sampling of interviews I've heard and read and survey's I've read - mainly the one one by SI of player's and GM's asking who's the best HC in the NFL in which Shanny was 2nd to Belichick) that Shanahan remains one of the most respected coaches in the game of football and arguably it's top offensive mind.

My personal opinion is, however, this is all a mute point. I think the Broncos will see slight, but not great, improvement this year and by 2010 the Broncos will be back to being a legit SB contender. Shanny will then coach that squad for a few years before taking a consulting role with the team. Mike Shanahan is the Joe Gibbs of the Denver Broncos. He will always be a part of the organization.

[400HZ]

lol! funniest post of the day.

wait.....are you serious?

if you are,

that's the funniest post of the year.

I'm not joking one bit. The edge Shanahan brings with his coaching style is completely offset by abysmal talent evaluation. His biggest accomplishment over the past 10 years has been a trip to the AFCCG that was more a product of Coyer's 3rd ranked scoring D than Shanahan's offense. Coyer being gone highlights the evaluation skills that I wouldn't want on my team, as well as ego issues. I'm just being honest here.

[400HZ]

wow! just wow!

there's just no way in hell you just posted that with a straight face

Ha!

Pimping up Norv Turner isn't something that I want to get into, but who outcoached who this past season? Reality is out there on the playing field.

[broncosteven]

I'm not joking one bit. The edge Shanahan brings with his coaching style is completely offset by abysmal talent evaluation. His biggest accomplishment over the past 10 years has been a trip to the AFCCG that was more a product of Coyer's 3rd ranked scoring D than Shanahan's offense. Coyer being gone highlights the evaluation skills that I wouldn't want on my team, as well as ego issues. I'm just being honest here.

So Norv took Marty's team to AFCCG what did he do before that?

Who did Norv evaluate that made that team better last year?

[OABB]

I'm not joking one bit. The edge Shanahan brings with his coaching style is completely offset by abysmal talent evaluation. His biggest accomplishment over the past 10 years has been a trip to the AFCCG that was more a product of Coyer's 3rd ranked scoring D than Shanahan's offense. Coyer being gone highlights the evaluation skills that I wouldn't want on my team, as well as ego issues. I'm just being honest here.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
(cough, slurp)
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hah!

you have lost all credibility with me now.

a product of coyers D?

plummers 4,000 yards and career best td to int ratio had nothing to do with it?

that was jake freakin plummer that led us to the afccg. who coached him, and scouted him? what was his winning percentage when he was in denver.

it was shanny's talent evaluation that led him to trade up for cutler and release the third winniest active qb because he saw talent.

our "great" defense blew that game more than anything.

come on dude...

Norv turner over mike shanahan.....priceless.


and I got to say, sd has had a nice run, but it's strange how a few good drafts propel you and your team to boast about player scouting and evaluations. terell davis, rod smith, eddie mac, nalen, mike anderson, al wilson, trevor pryce, cutler, dumerville, BRANDON MARSHALL, sheffler, darrent williams, foxworth, dj williams, howard griffith, kuper,holland,lepsis, jason elam? what were they?

did shanny just get lucky a few times?

please. all gm's make mistakes

even your great aj smith let drew brees go for Phillip Rivers!

he did however see the talent in eli manning, so I have to give him that.

[jmz313]

I don't know if norv really, out coached shanny. SD was a far better team that Norv had no hand in building

Lane Kiffen on the other hand, did. Wow that hurt to say.

[400HZ]

So Norv took Marty's team to AFCCG what did he do before that?

Who did Norv evaluate that made that team better last year?

Norv doesn't have to evaluate anybody outside of the practice field because he is content to let a professional (AJ) handle that. He knows his place and understands his limitations. I think Shanahan would be better off acknowledging that he isn't a good talent evaluator. Maybe that's what he did by getting rid of Sunquist. Maybe he wants less of a yes-man and more actual checks and balances in his decision making. Maybe. Given his history with scapegoating whoever is most convenient, I sort of doubt it, but maybe.

[bronco militia]

Reality is out there on the playing field.

for you, reality only includes the 2007 season.

Ha!

:clown:

clown on SPARKY!

[broncsyanks]

when was he ever a GM for real now? come on

[boltaneer]

I'm of the opinion that Shanahan needs to take a hiatus, much like Cowher did. The personnel moves that he is making over the past few years, the play calling, etc. just doesn't look like the Shanahan I used to fear.

Norv got off to a slow start but once the team and the coaches got on the same page, he did a great job. I don't know why people are still so down on him. Maybe they want to see him do it again this season before they give him credit.

[400HZ]

for you, reality only includes the 2007 season.

Ha!

:clown:

clown on SPARKY!

Since Norv only coached the Chargers in 2007, it's hard to make comparisons beyond that. I guess you could use his tenure with the 49ers in 2006..

[rovolution]

I seriously doubt that. Shanahan doesn't have much of a rep anymore. Maybe one owner would be foolish enough to.

Arthur Blank on line one.

[400HZ]

I don't want to try and make a stupid Norval vs Shanahan argument out of this. I was just trying to illustrate the point that the complete Mike Shanahan product is getting less and less attractive.

[400HZ]

Arthur Blank on line one.

I agree, but saying that the least attractive team in the league would have interest in him isn't a big compliment.

[bronco militia]

Since Norv wasn't coaching the Chargers in 2007, it's hard to make comparisons beyond that. I guess you could use his tenure with the 49ers in 2006..


it is ?!?!?!?

how funny you omit all those wonderful years in washington and oakland for poor ol Norvy!

Hilarious!

[Bronco Jamus]

Norv doesn't have to evaluate anybody outside of the practice field because he is content to let a professional (AJ) handle that. He knows his place and understands his limitations. I think Shanahan would be better off acknowledging that he isn't a good talent evaluator. Maybe that's what he did by getting rid of Sunquist. Maybe he wants less of a yes-man and more actual checks and balances in his decision making. Maybe. Given his history with scapegoating whoever is most convenient, I sort of doubt it, but maybe.


That's garbage. Mike Shanahan doesn't scapegoat anyone. He gives people opportunity to prove themselves and when they don't he gives them the respect of letting them know. Bates for example, was given full defensive control and he couldn't produce. He was offered another position within the organization and decided to leave. Ted Sunquist was not getting the job done, and really we should have done this 2 seasons ago and kept Rick Smith as our GM.

[Bronco Jamus]

Arthur Blank on line one.

And probably 10 other teams

[Circle Orange]

Lundquist may have been a professional jobber, but he DID have some nice acquisitions to his name. It wasn't like the guy was a total numbnuts.

I am now convinced Shanahan is utterly insane with power. An ego so titanic it would block out the mountains themselves.

Owner + HC in bed = endless, recycled mediocrity

The argument about "who's better out there?" is starting to hold a lot of water. Of the golden kind.

[55CrushEm]

Since Norv wasn't coaching the Chargers in 2007,

What ?!?

[Circle Orange]

He was tired of not having enough pull, maybe?

I guess Bowlen will be next to go. Cripes. :clown:

[Bronco Jamus]

Lundquist may have been a professional jobber, but he DID have some nice acquisitions to his name. It wasn't like the guy was a total numbnuts.

I am now convinced Shanahan is utterly insane with power. An ego so titanic it would block out the mountains themselves.

Owner + HC in bed = endless, recycled mediocrity

The argument about "who's better out there?" is starting to hold a lot of water. Of the golden kind.

Ridiculous. If Bowlen were to hire a replacement that person would still most likely be the Vice President of Football Operations. It's the same title Dan Reeves held. How does letting a GM go mean that Shanahan is insane with power? It doesn't. He is not getting promoted to President.

[400HZ]

it is ?!?!?!?

how funny you omit all those wonderful years in washington and oakland for poor ol Norvy!

Hilarious!

Norv isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. We know that. We've also seen that Shanahan isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. The thing is that Norv isn't at fault when his roster sucks because he's not the personnel guy. Shanahan has nobody to blame but himself for the scrubs he's dressing on gameday.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Bates for example, was given full defensive control and he couldn't produce. .

What a joke. Your front seven was largely devoid of talent last year. Buddy ****ing Ryan couldn't have produced.

[400HZ]

What ?!?

06
:hitself:

[OABB]

I don't want to try and make a stupid Norval vs Shanahan argument out of this. I was just trying to illustrate the point that the complete Mike Shanahan product is getting less and less attractive.

well, than be carefull what you post, because you were the one who compared the two.

as far as the product getting less and less attractive. I do agree. I think maybe he has burnt out a bit. It seems he is trying to build a winner to fast, and isn't checking his ego at the door and remaining patient when he should.


BUT, mike shanahan is a great talent evaluator and a great coach. perhaps a year off might do him some good, but I believe having more realistic expectations of this team from us, the media, and mike would do wonders to take the pressure off.

he is constantly compared to his sb teams, and in todays world of fa and salary cap that just isn't fair.

all teams rise and fall, except the chiefs, they just continue to plummet, and the broncos are no different.


but remember in that afccg not to long ago, had shanahan won that ONE GAME he would have been the first coach in the modern era to win a duperbowl, rebuild and make it to another. that is a pretty incredible feat nowadays.

but, we lost that game, and he tried to fix it too fast and now we are coming off of a 7-9 season. however, recent drafts have renewed energy in him, and I believe this past season was the best thing to happen to him in a long time.

now you guys don't fear the shanny product as much, and he has no"rep" as some so stupidly say, but mike shanahan is still premiere. and I have a feeling that a broncos team flying under the radar(for the first time in a long time) will sneak up on some unsuspecting teams this year.

don't ever count him out. He wants to win more than any of us here want him to win. he is driven, and intensely motivated. teams still line up to play us shorthanded and injured like we are a top five team. we get the best shots week in and week out, and still manage to compete with subpar talent.

Shanahan is my coach. And I couldn't be prouder to say that.

[bronco militia]

Norv isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. We know that. We've also seen that Shanahan isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. The thing is that Norv isn't at fault when his roster sucks because he's not the personnel guy. Shanahan has nobody to blame but himself for the scrubs he's dressing on gameday.

you don't have to explain this to me. Go and enjoy Norv Turner for a few years and then get back to us.

Hilarious!

[OABB]

We've also seen that Shanahan isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners.

umm... you are spinning out of control now....

[SureShot]

I heard Plummer wrote a very similar Email to Sunquist ..But Plummers got intercepted ....

LOL

[400HZ]

umm... you are spinning out of control now....

So you don't think that a strong personality in the GM's seat with actual power would help the Broncos right now?

[fontaine]

I'm not joking one bit. The edge Shanahan brings with his coaching style is completely offset by abysmal talent evaluation. His biggest accomplishment over the past 10 years has been a trip to the AFCCG that was more a product of Coyer's 3rd ranked scoring D than Shanahan's offense. Coyer being gone highlights the evaluation skills that I wouldn't want on my team, as well as ego issues. I'm just being honest here.

You're only partially correct. On offense Shanahan not only gauges talent extremely well but gets the most out of it in his system whether it be late round OL/RBs or QBs found from the leagues garbage dump called Plummer.

Shanahan's only real weakeness is on defense and it's revealing that when a new Defensive coach comes into town then they are given a lot of power/personel decision whether it be Bates, Coyer etc. Shanahan knows that he's nowhere near as good on defense as he is with his offense. In that regard it was a huge mistake to let go of Coyer but look at it this way. We already found a decent coordinate who did a great job with the front 7, so it shouldn't be too hard for Mike to duplicate that. Sometimes it's a matter of luck.

Whereas with the Bolts? You don't have to worry about luck. You've got you're own problems. You've got Norv Turner. Just wait till he starts putting in more of an inprint on your team.

Turner already showed his colors when he purposefully designed the playoff gameplans around Rivers and the passing game instead of doing it on the back of Turner/LT. I can only hope he continues in the same manner in 2008.

[montrose]

The one thing that worries me is the implication of a group effort by the Goodwins and Shanahan. Although it's a different sport, my fears of that arrangement stem from the train-wreck that is the Nuggets' Mark Warkentein/Bret Bearup/Rex Chapman front office.

[bronco militia]

So you don't think that a strong personality in the GM's seat with actual power would help the Broncos right now?

no because then we'd be looking for a new coaching staff

but that day will come soon enough

[Bronco Jamus]

What a joke. Your front seven was largely devoid of talent last year. Buddy ****ing Ryan couldn't have produced.

Bates picked the players to fit the scheme he wanted to implement. Perhaps it would be better for you to stick with what you know.

[OABB]

So you don't think that a strong personality in the GM's seat with actual power would help the Broncos right now?

I am not sure what good that would do to be honest. my mother has a strong personality but I don't want her making football decisions. what we need is a reality check. all of us here and in the football world.

Shanahan has made FAR more good calls than bad. he is held to a ridiculous standard by everyone. here we are talking about what would help him, when he is a three time superbowl winning coach. He has made some of the BEST player picks in the history of the game, (td, nalen, smith etc...) and we want to point out middlebrooks.

we rag on his browncos trade, but forget that an entire team of castoffs led us to the third ranked defense and an afc cg appearance. we rag on him for picking george foster, but overlook that we got a probowl cb in a trade.
we laugh about plummer, but forget that he had career seasons here and HAD THE THIRD BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE in his time here.

we laugh at his drafts, and forget that we got our QB of the future, our WR of the future, our DE of the future and our Tight end of the future all in ONE draft!

we joke about his ego and control problems, but forget that he leads the league in almost every offensive statistic and winning percentage in his time as overlord.

we forget so much, that maybe we are the one's burnt out, not shanny.

[Circle Orange]

Ridiculous. If Bowlen were to hire a replacement that person would still most likely be the Vice President of Football Operations. It's the same title Dan Reeves held. How does letting a GM go mean that Shanahan is insane with power? It doesn't. He is not getting promoted to President.

If not, its the only freaking postion not tacked on to his own...you do know his true power within the organization?

And its not just a matter of going to playoffs and superbowls. The foundation of winning teams is done in the offseason. Bad parts, bad product, which equals endless mediocrity. I don't care how good a coach is, after awhile you get ego driven and stagnant. Lack of competition within the organization makes it worse. Add to that a free pass because of success in the past. Any way you spin it, it adds up to complacency.

[Punisher]

Norv isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. We know that. We've also seen that Shanahan isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners. The thing is that Norv isn't at fault when his roster sucks because he's not the personnel guy. Shanahan has nobody to blame but himself for the scrubs he's dressing on gameday.

Once again if your team hasn't won a Super Bowl you are not allowed in this Thread:thanku:

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The question now is what happens next year if the Broncos miss the playoffs for a THIRD consecutive season? Does Shanny get ANY blame? Or is he given a free pass while scapegoating Slowik or god knows who else?

[Northman]

The question now is what happens next year if the Broncos miss the playoffs for a THIRD consecutive season? Does Shanny get ANY blame? Or is he given a free pass while scapegoating Slowik or god knows who else?

If Carl can get a 30 year pass than Shanny can at least get 3 right?

[OABB]

The question now is what happens next year if the Broncos miss the playoffs for a THIRD consecutive season? Does Shanny get ANY blame? Or is he given a free pass while scapegoating Slowik or god knows who else?

he is already getting a lot of blame. none of us know what goes on inside dove valley, so no matter what any of us post about in-house politics we will all be speculating and look foolish.

the real question is, if denver does return to the playoffs and gets back on track, what will you trolls try and bait us with then?

[Bronco Jamus]

If not, its the only freaking postion not tacked on to his own...you do know his true power within the organization?

And its not just a matter of going to playoffs and superbowls. The foundation of winning teams is done in the offseason. Bad parts, bad product, which equals endless mediocrity. I don't care how good a coach is, after awhile you get ego driven and stagnant. Lack of competition within the organization makes it worse. Add to that a free pass because of success in the past. Any way you spin it, it adds up to complacency.

Yes I do. The man promotes a team environment. Now if you would like to jab him for the coaches he hires, that would be one thing. However the players on the field are brought in from a team of coaches, scouts, and other personal. The man has been a champion at every level and more than earned the respect to make the decisions he does.

[400HZ]

You're only partially correct. On offense Shanahan not only gauges talent extremely well but gets the most out of it in his system whether it be late round OL/RBs or QBs found from the leagues garbage dump called Plummer.

I think you are half correct. You say he gauges offensive talent extremely well, but then you talk about him picking players out of the garbage dump. Oxymoron. I'll give Shanahan all the credit in the world for designing an offensive system that plugs right along even with garbage dump players, as you termed them, but you have to admit that the system would be a whole lot better with top shelf talent. That's General Manager Shanahan shooting Coach Shanahan in the foot.

Shanahan's only real weakeness is on defense and it's revealing that when a new Defensive coach comes into town then they are given a lot of power/personel decision whether it be Bates, Coyer etc. Shanahan knows that he's nowhere near as good on defense as he is with his offense. In that regard it was a huge mistake to let go of Coyer but look at it this way. We already found a decent coordinate who did a great job with the front 7, so it shouldn't be too hard for Mike to duplicate that. Sometimes it's a matter of luck.

Coyer is a great example of Shanahan's failings in the defensive department. Shanahan should be credited with identifying Coyer and putting him in position to utilize his talents, but then look how it ended. After the fact, I think most all of you would agree that Coyer did a pretty good job considering the talent he was handed. Shanahan however failed to realize that and brought in Jim Bates. One more blunder in the personnel department, and a bad one at that.


Whereas with the Bolts? You don't have to worry about luck. You've got you're own problems. You've got Norv Turner. Just wait till he starts putting in more of an inprint on your team.
Turner already showed his colors when he purposefully designed the playoff gameplans around Rivers and the passing game instead of doing it on the back of Turner/LT. I can only hope he continues in the same manner in 2008.

I don't want to get off topic, but Norv is never going to leave as big of a footprint on the team as AJ Smith will. The situation with Marty last year proved that. As for Norv's playoff strategy, it was working great until everyone got hurt.

[Maximus]

he said "almost won" dumbass.

typical ignorant donkey fans. WGAFF if he almost won something... Almost is like playing horseshoes and throwing handgrenades. The truth is... He didn't! So, bringing up that he almost did something is nothing more than an excuse for his failure accomplish the task at hand. We got rid of his egomaniacal ass and prospered under Art Shell... Now go back and re-join your circle jerk!

[orinjkrush]

many many theories abound. because of the nature of the dismissal:

Sundquist didn't see it coming;

It is connected to the draft/free agency talent identification problems.

Two scouts have been promoted (ala AJ Smith in Chuggerworld)

Something had to change. Shanny didn't do this one gentlemanly. Sundquist could have resigned for family reasons. There is some animosity in this one.
that usually belies perceived disloyalty.

[rovolution]

I agree, but saying that the least attractive team in the league would have interest in him isn't a big compliment.

When Shanny got to Denver in 1995, people thought he was a lunatic for taking this job.

This was an aging, declining team with no draft picks in the Top 3 rounds.

Shanny had been declared the successor to George Seifert in San Francisco, arguably the most successful franchise at that time in the history of the league.

Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Deion...Why would he want to come to Denver?


Shanny doesnt care about the current state of a team. What he cares about is the power. If Blank gave him Parcells control, Shanny could care less about the current state of the team, just like he didnt give a crap that the Broncos were a garbage team when he took over.

[Cito Pelon]

I think as Broncos fans, we've been spoiled to a degree. For those who don't think Shanahan has a rep, think again. Numerous, numerous, times in interviews on both NFL Network and Sirius NFL Radio I've heard multiple coaches, GM's and exec's quickly name Shanahan right behind Belichick when discussing the top coaches in the game. While I certainly agree that a person can burn out over time with one franchise, and that could eventually lead to Shanahan's departure, I have no doubt he won't find himself a new HC job within days of leaving Denver if he should choose to take one. He could go back to coach in college or any number of NFL teams. In fact, I could think of several teams who would let their current guy go to get Shanahan, he's that good. As far as complete control, I'm not sure how much luck he'd have getting that again although I can recall several interviews where he said he'd never take a job without control again following his work for Greasy Al, that may change with time but I'm inclined to believe that's still the case. Regardless, I'd venture to say that (based on a sampling of interviews I've heard and read and survey's I've read - mainly the one one by SI of player's and GM's asking who's the best HC in the NFL in which Shanny was 2nd to Belichick) that Shanahan remains one of the most respected coaches in the game of football and arguably it's top offensive mind.

My personal opinion is, however, this is all a mute point. I think the Broncos will see slight, but not great, improvement this year and by 2010 the Broncos will be back to being a legit SB contender. Shanny will then coach that squad for a few years before taking a consulting role with the team. Mike Shanahan is the Joe Gibbs of the Denver Broncos. He will always be a part of the organization.

Good post. I'm not a big Shanahan fan, so I lean the other way, towards him being on the decline in terms of reputation. I don't think "burned out" is the correct description of Shanahan. "Overshot his abilities" is maybe a better description.

As for by 2010 being a legit SB contender, I'll believe it when I see it. I can see that it's possible. The team needs a more reliable scoring O, that's most definitely on Shanny to accomplish. I think that's where Shanny better start his rebuilding. Get his own house in order first.

[Bronco Jamus]

When Shanny got to Denver in 1995, people thought he was a lunatic for taking this job.

This was an aging, declining team with no draft picks in the Top 3 rounds.

Shanny had been declared the successor to George Seifert in San Francisco, arguably the most successful franchise at that time in the history of the league.

Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Deion...Why would he want to come to Denver?


Shanny doesnt care about the current state of a team. What he cares about is the power. If Blank gave him Parcells control, Shanny could care less about the current state of the team, just like he didnt give a crap that the Broncos were a garbage team when he took over.


We were not a garbage team when he took over. We've been a solid winner for almost over 2 decades. John Elway alone makes this team a non-garbage team. Did you forget the fact that Shanahan had coached here before he coached for the Raiders or San Francisco? It was no secret he wanted to come back here after Reeves was dismissed.

[rovolution]

We were not a garbage team when he took over. We've been a solid winner for almost over 2 decades. John Elway alone makes this team a non-garbage team. Did you forget the fact that Shanahan had coached here before he coached for the Raiders or San Francisco? It was no secret he wanted to come back here after Reeves was dismissed.

When your bringing Dennis Smith and Karl Mecklenburg out of retirement to save your pathetic run defense, i think its safe to say your not all to great.

Yes i know Shanny coached here before, but Bowlen offered Shanny the job right after he fired Dan, and Shanny declined because he thought it would be too ackward(sp) if he came back right after Dan was canned.

Plus, even after he won a SB with the Niners, he said they offered him a real tempting offer to stay. He would have been paid around $1,000,000 per year to be a coordinator, which was Jason Garret-esque back in the 90s (just for comparison, Wade Phillips only earned $400,000 per year when he was the Broncos HC).

He even said in his book people said he was crazy to go back to Denver when he had a two time league MVP in Young, arguably the best player in the history of the league in his prime in Rice, other offensive studs like Brent Jones and Ricky Watters, and very solid defense.

The 49ers job back then was considered one of the best HC jobs in the NFL.


But Bowlen offered Shanny that thing known as ultimate power (something he would not have had in SanFran with Carmen Policy and Dwight Clark running the personell department), and lo and beho, hes back in the Mile High City and has been here ever since.


Mikes experiences with Greasy Al have just haunted him about having to defer to someone else, and if Bowlen brought in a GM with final say, i wouldnt expect Shanny to be in Denver much longer.

[Cito Pelon]

When your bringing Dennis Smith and Karl Mecklenburg out of retirement to save your pathetic run defense, i think its safe to say your not all to great.

Yes i know Shanny coached here before, but Bowlen offered Shanny the job right after he fired Dan, and Shanny declined because he thought it would be too ackward(sp) if he came back right after Dan was canned.

Plus, even after he won a SB with the Niners, he said they offered him a real tempting offer to stay. He would have been paid around $1,000,000 per year to be a coordinator, which was Jason Garret-esque back in the 90s (just for comparison, Wade Phillips only earned $400,000 per year when he was the Broncos HC).

He even said in his book people said he was crazy to go back to Denver when he had a two time league MVP in Young, arguably the best player in the history of the league in his prime in Rice, other offensive studs like Brent Jones and Ricky Watters, and very solid defense.

The 49ers job back then was considered one of the best HC jobs in the NFL.


But Bowlen offered Shanny that thing known as ultimate power (something he would not have had in SanFran with Carmen Policy and Dwight Clark running the personell department), and lo and beho, hes back in the Mile High City and has been here ever since.


Mikes experiences with Greasy Al have just haunted him about having to defer to someone else, and if Bowlen brought in a GM with final say, i wouldnt expect Shanny to be in Denver much longer.

Then good riddance to Shanahan. Since 1998 he's only brought one Title of any kind to Denver and that was a lone Div Title in 2005 made by the D and the +24 TO ratio more than the O. Some people think Shanahan is the big deal in this franchise, I don't see that. Show me some Titles, then I'll show you an important man.

[Bronco Jamus]

Then good riddance to Shanahan. Since 1998 he's only brought one Title of any kind to Denver and that was a lone Div Title in 2005 made by the D and the +24 TO ratio more than the O. Some people think Shanahan is the big deal in this franchise, I don't see that. Show me some Titles, then I'll show you an important man.

Ridiculous

[Bronco Jamus]

When your bringing Dennis Smith and Karl Mecklenburg out of retirement to save your pathetic run defense, i think its safe to say your not all to great.

Yes i know Shanny coached here before, but Bowlen offered Shanny the job right after he fired Dan, and Shanny declined because he thought it would be too ackward(sp) if he came back right after Dan was canned.

Plus, even after he won a SB with the Niners, he said they offered him a real tempting offer to stay. He would have been paid around $1,000,000 per year to be a coordinator, which was Jason Garret-esque back in the 90s (just for comparison, Wade Phillips only earned $400,000 per year when he was the Broncos HC).

He even said in his book people said he was crazy to go back to Denver when he had a two time league MVP in Young, arguably the best player in the history of the league in his prime in Rice, other offensive studs like Brent Jones and Ricky Watters, and very solid defense.

The 49ers job back then was considered one of the best HC jobs in the NFL.


But Bowlen offered Shanny that thing known as ultimate power (something he would not have had in SanFran with Carmen Policy and Dwight Clark running the personell department), and lo and beho, hes back in the Mile High City and has been here ever since.


Mikes experiences with Greasy Al have just haunted him about having to defer to someone else, and if Bowlen brought in a GM with final say, i wouldnt expect Shanny to be in Denver much longer.


There was no guarantee Shanahan would get the 49er head coaching job. However, You bring up some solid points, but while the defense was struggling to find itself the offense and Elway were playing very well statistically speaking. Hardly a garbage team.

[Bronx33]

Nope, Carl will become the new Al Davis and will remain with the chiefs for eternity. :rofl:


That's the best case senerio. :thumbsup:

[rovolution]

There was no guarantee Shanahan would get the 49er head coaching job..


Oh it was guarenteed. Go read Shannys book.

It would have been written into his contract once Seifert retired in 2 years (1996), Shanny would have become the new 49er coach instead of Mooch. Carmen Policy had it perfectly orchestrated, but Shanny wanted to be a HC now (1995), not wait till 1997.


Plus, like i said, He got the ultimate power in Denver.




http://eiuhalloffame.com/shanahan/shantheman.html


Integrity is paramount to Shanahan. When Bowlen didn't renew Reeves's contract following the '92 season, he offered the job to Shanahan, who stunned the owner by turning it down. "Things had gotten so bad with me and Dan the previous year, and everyone thought I was after his job," Shanahan says. "I didn't want to be the a------ who took Dan's job. It just didn't feel right."


Similarly, in the aftermath of the Niners' Super Bowl victory, San Francisco president Carmen Policy crafted a plan in which Shanahan would be anointed the successor to George Seifert, who would coach for one or two more years. "George was urging me to do it," Shanahan says, "but it would have been horrible. I didn't want to be the guy who pushed him out."

[Chris]

Editorial

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8553826

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Oh, Shanny. You're such a saint. If only we could all aspire to become as gracious a human being as you've evolved to be.

[Merlin]

We've also seen that Shanahan isn't going to take a crappy team and coach them into winners.
He has done it numerous times. He even took an avg team to the AFC (and with a little luck could have gone to the SB). You really should stop letting your homer crap affect your intellect, it reflects quite poorly on your takes.

[Raiders Rock]

Another Shanarat Scapegoat