Breaking News:Broncos fire Shanahan (M)

[LordHelmchen]

I call BS, the relationship these guys had and all the stuff Shanny had done for us Bowlen spent more than 5 minutes. Where did you get 5 minutes?


Adam Shefter

[lex]

I really hope they keep the Goodman's. Their record the last three years in the draft is untouchable. And whoever the coach is, I hope they keep the scheme we have on offense and also are willing to hire good coaches and not cronies.

[extralife]

Breaking news: I keep feeling worse and worse

what a ****ty day

[rastaman]

I call BS, the relationship these guys had and all the stuff Shanny had done for us Bowlen spent more than 5 minutes. Where did you get 5 minutes?

It was reported on NFL network that Bowlen called Shanahan in for an unscheduled meeting and it ended in 5 minutes! Now what could have transpired btwn the two earlier no one knows.

[elsid13]

I call BS, the relationship these guys had and all the stuff Shanny had done for us Bowlen spent more than 5 minutes. Where did you get 5 minutes?

Watch NFL network, that came from Schefer talked to Shanahan and that how he descride it.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80dc4de7&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

[BroncoMan4ever]

The Goodman's had better be staying. Bates and Dennison need to stay. hopefully Bobby Turner will stay, the rest can go.

I really hope this means we are going to get Cowher.

[broncofan7]

Shanny working for Jerry Jones!!?? I just don't see how that fits.

Veteran laden offense and a team that is ready to WIN NOW--it would be like inheriting Denver in 1996 (without the #1 QB of all time of course). Watch.

[spdirty]

Im still shocked.

[rastaman]

I really hope they keep the Goodman's. Their record the last three years in the draft is untouchable. And whoever the coach is, I hope they keep the scheme we have on offense and also are willing to hire good coaches and not cronies.

I hope so too, b/c I don't see Marshall hanging around if the offensive philosopy changes to where the passing game takes a dive!!! And who knows Cutler could follow suit as well.

These are some uncertain times in Bronco land....a since of forboding uncertainity of possible having to endure some Detroit lions type seasons. It could get really ugly for it ever gets better.

In fact Shanahan has a much better chance of coaching a winning franchise the Broncos will have of becoming a winning franchise!!! GOD I HATE THIS ****.

[12th man]

The Goodman's had better be staying. Bates and Dennison need to stay. hopefully Bobby Turner will stay, the rest can go.

I really hope this means we are going to get Cowher.

I hope Bates will be the Head coach

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Why would he want to go to Dallas? So he can have Jerry Jones running the show, telling him what to do and which players he'll use? Not a chance. The players run the asylum for the Cowboys. Shanahan would be wise not to touch that. They may have all the talent in the world, but the Broncos played as more of a team this season than the overrated Cowboys did.

I'd bet he takes at least a year off. It may be in his blood, but the guy's been at it for years. He doesn't need the money. He could use the break.

[broncosteven]

Veteran laden offense and a team that is ready to WIN NOW--it would be like inheriting Denver in 1996 (without the #1 QB of all time of course). Watch.

That is one phase of Game, only need Defense and ST's. The 95 team drafted TD and UDFA Rod. If we hit on 2 HOFers in this draft maybe we "win now"

[12th man]

Breaking news: I keep feeling worse and worse

what a ****ty day

lol. I honestly didn't think the season could't get any worse after the charger game. it just did Ha!

[rastaman]

The Goodman's had better be staying. Bates and Dennison need to stay. hopefully Bobby Turner will stay, the rest can go.

I really hope this means we are going to get Cowher.

Some of these guys may want to follow Shanahan!!!!!

[ScottXray]

We weren't going anywhere with Slowik back next year! I'd wager that Bowlen wanted to keep Shanahan around , but with a reduction in responsibilities, and Shanahan said no. So the decision was probably his, and his stubborness probably led Pat to say no thanks, then.

Five minutes is more than enough time to lay out the new rules. And I guess Shanny didn't even ask to sleep on it. That's in keeping with his personality.

I would have liked him to stick around in a reduced role....but barring that it was time.

I also think Bowlen already has someone lined up to take over as head coach.

[Kaylore]

It's time.

[ayjackson]

It's time.

That's all that needs to be said. I'm surprised the meeting took 5 minutes. Long enough to finish off drink of scotch I guess.

[PRBronco]

Just got home and saw the news, I'm speechless, except for "holy ****!"

[kelinsky1]

Wow

I'm a little surprised, but not totally shocked.
NFL is 'what have you done lately' for sure.

Just hope we get anybody but Marty.
I'd have to change teams after 30+ years if Marty came.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

For those of you that are uncomfortable, think back to the breakup with your first girlfriend. Sure, she gave a great handjob. She paid for things. Even impressed your friends. And the breakup was difficult because there was that comfort zone there - you knew what you were getting. It hurt for a while, but you eventually got over it. And now? You're banging the prom queen.

I've long supported Shanahan and wanted him to stick around for as long as possible, but all good things must come to an end. It's the end of an era, but not the end of a franchise. I'll support the Broncos while some jump ship just to support Shanahan.

[illbroncsfn]

It's time.

Possibly, but is it the right time?

[snowspot66]

My God all the doomsayers. I wanted Shanahan to stay but he's gone. Get over it. It's time to move on.

I doubt Shanahan will go to KC or SD. I doubt he'll be leading anybody into Mile High and dropping 50 on us. Be a little realistic here. Even if he did it's not like people can't ALREADY come into Denver and drop 50 on us.

Cutler isn't going anywhere. How many franchise QB's actually change teams? Very few, even when their team sucks. If a franchise QB leaves the team it's because the team has decided to go somewhere else.

Marshall and the rest of the offensive players will learn to deal with it.

We all knew Mike would be gone someday. It's sad that it had to happen this way but it happened. It's time to move on. We need to get somebody who's motivated and up to the challenge. Our defense is HISTORICALLY bad. We need somebody who can fix that and I don't think anybody, including Shanahan supporters, thought it was going to happen next year with Slowik in place.

Stop the freaking out. It's time to move on.

[Bronx33]

We all thought he was untouchable......Slowick and the horrible Defense spelled the end for Shanahan, despite the fact he was putting together a great offense. Oh well its over....time to move on.

Point is the fans who wanted this move can't b**** moan and complain now should the incoming coach puts a loosing prouduct onto the field over the next 3-4 years. But we know these same fans will be b****ING AND MOANING.....immediately.

My biggest b**** will be having to endure horrible loosing years, while Shanahan takes another team to the 13, and 14 win season a few SB appearances!!!! THAT'S GOING TO BE ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE TO ENDURE!!

This was a bad move the way Bowlen handled this.


Yep another reason to hate slowik.

[JJJ]

Wow. Didn't think the meltdown would reach this level.

The guy is a great coach but a bad or mediocre GM. Unless Bowlen has a major announcement coming like Cowher the Broncos will have a tough road ahead. The void Shanahan will leave will be a large one and the second guessing will be immense if the start in 2009 is not a good one.

I see Shanahan going to the Jets.

[Tankgunner95]

Be honest guys Im kinda sad, not crying sad but upset, I dont think this was the answer. We need a change Heck YES, but a change in a coach when we have all the skill players on offense???? I think Shanny stuck his football in his mouth and cut his own throut, saying the DC is staying!!!! Im not sure what to think, very very confused! Spider go get me a beer!!!

[Bronx33]

Wow. Didn't think the meltdown would reach this level.

The guy is a great coach but a bad or mediocre GM. Unless Bowlen has a major announcement coming like Cowher the Broncos will have a tough road ahead. The void Shanahan will leave will be a large one and the second guessing will be immense if the start in 2009 is not a good one.

I see Shanahan going to the Jets.


Your meltdown comes next week sunshine.

[BroncoMan4ever]

I hope Bates will be the Head coach

i'd be cool with that, but i doubt it happens. i think that the team is going to bring in an outside guy, because by promoting someone already on staff, we have the same philosophy on the team, and if Bowlen wanted to keep the team philosophy the same, he wouldn't have fired Mike.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

If anything, Cutler and Marshall would be happy that someone finally stepped up and decided to make a move to fix that atrocious defense to which they've alluded all season.

[rastaman]

total bs. If you want to strip GM powers fine, but he is the best coach in the league. You wanna bet the Chargers get real interested real fast?

NFL owner are already lining up to hire Shanahan. The curse of the Broncos will commence in 2009 with enduring loosing season is going to be horrendous!!

Oh well the same forum fans yelling for Shanny's ouster/firing can now turn their attention to the New Head coach and spill their anger and hatred over loosing seasons for the next 3 years, then in year 4, this same crowd can yell, bitch and moan to fire that poor unlucky coach as well.

We are FREAKING JINXED!!!!!

[BroncoMan4ever]

We weren't going anywhere with Slowik back next year! I'd wager that Bowlen wanted to keep Shanahan around , but with a reduction in responsibilities, and Shanahan said no. So the decision was probably his, and his stubborness probably led Pat to say no thanks, then.

Five minutes is more than enough time to lay out the new rules. And I guess Shanny didn't even ask to sleep on it. That's in keeping with his personality.

I would have liked him to stick around in a reduced role....but barring that it was time.

I also think Bowlen already has someone lined up to take over as head coach.

i do to. we haven;t really been an organization that does things on a whim. most of what we do it thought out before we do it. no way would he have fired Shanahan if we didn't have a plan.

Maybe that's why Cowher declined anything to do with Cleveland.(that is my dream scenario right now) Cowher would add a toughness to the team that has been missing for years.

ON A PLUS SIDE, SLOWIK IS NOT GOING TO BE BACK.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

I can't believe they fired Cam Cameron and brought in this Sparano nobody! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired Billick and brought in this Harbaugh nobody! He's a Harbaugh! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired...uh...he...and brought in this Mike Smith nobody! He has the most generic name of all time! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they just let Mike Nolan go! Mike Singletary? That guy hasn't been a head coach a day in his life! He can't get this team together! We're all screwed!

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Maybe that's why Cowher declined anything to do with Cleveland.(that is my dream scenario right now) Cowher would add a toughness to the team that has been missing for years.

I trust Schefter when he says Cowher is sticking to TV and won't be coaching anywhere in 2009. He turned down the Cleveland job and is only talking to the Jets out of respect to the organization. It's likely safe to scratch him off the list.

[rastaman]

If anything, Cutler and Marshall would be happy that someone finally stepped up and decided to make a move to fix that atrocious defense to which they've alluded all season.

We had all better hope that's how it turns out. FA, tired of loosing, more money, and going to a winning organization not in a rebuilding years, will sure make keeping someone of Marshall's caliber. We loose Marshall, that sets back the rebuilding the process and sorely reduces the talent at WR; unless Denver finds a replacement for him in the draft!!!

May we live in interesting times.

[Tankgunner95]

Just watched the link on another post they are saying we cant pay top salary for a head coach because Mike's pay still goes against us?? Anyone know if thats true, and if its true is there way to get around this???????

[Wes Mantooth]

How bout Tom Cable!

I have to laugh to keep from cryin' right now.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Just watched the link on another post they are saying we cant pay top salary for a head coach because Mike's pay still goes against us?? Anyone know if thats true, and if its true is there way to get around this???????

The coach's pay doesn't affect the cap. That's all on how much Bowlen wants to piss away to pay for 2 HCs at the same time.

[boltaneer]

Wow. I know Shanahan has struggled recently but I didn't see this coming for at least another year.

Pretty shocking news. I wouldn't worry about him going to the Bolts though. He couldn't co-exist with AJ and it seems they're loyal to Norv for the near future.

Raiders? Of course not. Chiefs? I guess there's a possiblity but I just don't see it happening. I think he'll be out of the AFC West so no worries for you guys.

[Banana Pants]

Wow. I know Shanahan has struggled recently but I didn't see this coming for at least another year.

Pretty shocking news. I wouldn't worry about him going to the Bolts though. He couldn't co-exist with AJ and it seems they're loyal to Norv for the near future.

Raiders? Of course not. Chiefs? I guess there's a possiblity but I just don't see it happening. I think he'll be out of the AFC West so no worries for you guys.

Chargers? Norv Turner is a joke. Maybe the worst of all 3 that are still tenured.

[BroncoMan4ever]

I can't believe they fired Cam Cameron and brought in this Sparano nobody! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired Billick and brought in this Harbaugh nobody! He's a Harbaugh! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired...uh...he...and brought in this Mike Smith nobody! He has the most generic name of all time! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they just let Mike Nolan go! Mike Singletary? That guy hasn't been a head coach a day in his life! He can't get this team together! We're all screwed!

are you seriously comparing Cameron and Billick to Shanahan?

those guys were decent head coaches, but Shanahan is one of the best ever to coach in the NFL

there is going to be a major dropoff in coaching talent in whoever we get, unless Bowlen pulls a miracle out of his ass and somehow lands Cowher.

[socalorado]

I really hope they keep the Goodman's. Their record the last three years in the draft is untouchable. And whoever the coach is, I hope they keep the scheme we have on offense and also are willing to hire good coaches and not cronies.

Yes, yes and yes.
Cowher as HC, allowing the offense to do its thing, and also allowing the Goodmans to do their thing, would be a sweet move.
Cowher would have the defense playing 10 times as tough, day one.

[Tankgunner95]

The coach's pay doesn't affect the cap. That's all on how much Bowlen wants to piss away to pay for 2 HCs at the same time.

Ok So these A$$holes dont know what they are talking about!!!!! So we can afford any coach that Bowlen wants to pay basically???

[JJJ]

Your meltdown comes next week sunshine.

Got my tickets already. Even if we lose I will be smiling the whole time knowing the Donks will hold the biggest collapse of all time moniker for a long long time. I guess I was witness to a bit of history last week seeing his last game ever as the Bronco coach.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Jesus Christ.

Read around, folks. Cowher isn't coaching anywhere in 2009. Enough already.

[Tankgunner95]

Got my tickets already. Even if we lose I will be smiling the whole time knowing the Donks will hold the biggest collapse of all time moniker for a long long time. I guess I was witness to a bit of history last week seeing his last game ever as the Bronco coach.

Go F@ck yourself!!!!

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

are you seriously comparing Cameron and Billick to Shanahan?

those guys were decent head coaches, but Shanahan is one of the best ever to coach in the NFL

there is going to be a major dropoff in coaching talent in whoever we get, unless Bowlen pulls a miracle out of his ass and somehow lands Cowher.

Dropoff how? Those guys I mentioned - the successors were supposed "dropoffs" to the amazing coaching talent that was in place before. If the new guy inspires the team, gets them to bust their butts on Sunday and installs some new heart in this squad (ala Singletary), then it's a win from the get-go.

[Bob]

Not a Cowher fan? What is it that you dislike?

I like the way he coaches, he's stable, experienced, has a great winning record, etc......

I hope we don't jump on the let's promote an OC to HC bandwagon - hint: JASON GARRETT type situation.

Don't think people realize how good the stability was with Shanahan, we'll see soon enough. If we don't land a top notch HC then we'll probably go thru 5 coaches in the next 9 years if not more.

And he won with a crappy budget -- they never spent big money to keep talent ... and still their DEFENCES were always good --- too bad he isnt 18 years old, he might not be able to play Wii with Cutler, or text PacMan while hangin at the strip club.

[elsid13]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

[socalorado]

Jesus Christ.

Read around, folks. Cowher isn't coaching anywhere in 2009. Enough already.

No blasphemy rulon. Just give it some time.

[BroncoMan4ever]

I trust Schefter when he says Cowher is sticking to TV and won't be coaching anywhere in 2009. He turned down the Cleveland job and is only talking to the Jets out of respect to the organization. It's likely safe to scratch him off the list.

i know, but i am just so shocked, that i need to keep my hopes that Bowlen can pull a miracle out of his ass and bring him here.

Shanahan will have another coaching job by the end of January more than likely in New York, so technically Bowlen won't be payiong 2 salaries, and he will be able to bring in a good coach.

Outside of Cowher(pipe dream) i can't think of any available coaches or coordinators who we might be interested in bringing to Denver.

[Bob]

Jesus Christ.

Read around, folks. Cowher isn't coaching anywhere in 2009. Enough already.

We want hope brother -- even false hope right now.

[socalorado]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

Good to see Bowlen still has his football wits about him enough to know pure crap when he sees it.

[rastaman]

I can't believe they fired Cam Cameron and brought in this Sparano nobody! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired Billick and brought in this Harbaugh nobody! He's a Harbaugh! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they fired...uh...he...and brought in this Mike Smith nobody! He has the most generic name of all time! We're all screwed!

I can't believe they just let Mike Nolan go! Mike Singletary? That guy hasn't been a head coach a day in his life! He can't get this team together! We're all screwed!


Heres another scenario.......After 6 years of trying to find the magic of delivering a winner in Denver and having gone thru 2 head coaches. Fans could be moaning and complaining.......I can't believe Bowlen has figured out how to hire a winning coach! What the hell is wrong with Bowlen? Over the last 6 years, Denver has won 24 games and lost 72 games. Meanwhile, coach Shanahan has accomplished 75 wins vs 21 loses, and may have won another SB or two.

[TheReverend]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

[gunns]

OMG! Just saw this. Guess the ultimatum was for this year or Mike's foot inserted in mouth by supporting Slowik.

Thanks for the memories Mike.

[rastaman]

Good to see Bowlen still has his football wits about him enough to know pure crap when he sees it.

Bowlen probably wanted Larry Coyer gone as well!!!!

[Bob]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

So, Bowlen wanted to change his origional aggreement with Shanny of complete control?

[BroncoMan4ever]

Cowher may not be thinking he doesn't want to coach right now, but if someone offers him enough, he will come out of retirement.

[snowspot66]

are you seriously comparing Cameron and Billick to Shanahan?

those guys were decent head coaches, but Shanahan is one of the best ever to coach in the NFL

there is going to be a major dropoff in coaching talent in whoever we get, unless Bowlen pulls a miracle out of his ass and somehow lands Cowher.

You invalidate your own argument. Cowher isn't all that and a bag of chips. The Redskins were pretty hyped to have Gibbs back. Didn't work out so great. The Seahawks were jazzed to have Holmgren. They thrived for a while in a ****ty NFCWest now they are among the bottom in that division and it's still just as ****ty. I wanted Mike to stay but it's time to move on.

[12th man]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

I don't even know what to say. Bowlen is an ass for firing shanny over this, but damn it mike, if any of the years to fire a DC was this year. and you wouldn't. and your stubberness got you fired. I'm just pissed right now.

[BroncoMan4ever]

CBS 4 is reporting that Bowlen wanted Slowick out, Shanahan refused = BYE BYE Mike

What the **** is wrong with Shanahan that he was willing to allow his friendship with that no talent hack get him fired?

well on the plus side the defense just got better, because Slowik is gone.

I wonder whats going to happen with the Shanamansion?

[theAPAOps5]

No Shanny is kind of an ass for not firing Slowdick. Everyone else could see he sucked ass but Shanny himself.

[rastaman]

OMG! Just saw this. Guess the ultimatum was for this year or Mike's foot inserted in mouth by supporting Slowik.

Thanks for the memories Mike.

I hope Shanahan doesn't change your comments to thanks for the nightmares Mike, especially should Shanahan becomes a dominant head coach in the AFC west or in the AFC with another team and he's owning the Broncos when they meet twice a year or knocks them out of the playoffs every year.

[BroncoMan4ever]

You invalidate your own argument. Cowher isn't all that and a bag of chips. The Redskins were pretty hyped to have Gibbs back. Didn't work out so great. The Seahawks were jazzed to have Holmgren. They thrived for a while in a ****ty NFCWest now they are among the bottom in that division and it's still just as ****ty. I wanted Mike to stay but it's time to move on.

do you watch football?

Cowher every year put forth a really strong Pittsburgh team. he was able to win without overpaying players. the owners did not throw big money around to players and he was still able to win.

he would come in and add a toughness to this team that has been missing for years, which is what this team needs.

[snowspot66]

Heres another scenario.......After 6 years of trying to find the magic of delivering a winner in Denver and having gone thru 2 head coaches. Fans could be moaning and complaining.......I can't believe Bowlen has figured out how to hire a winning coach! What the hell is wrong with Bowlen? Over the last 6 years, Denver has won 24 games and lost 72 games. Meanwhile, coach Shanahan has accomplished 75 wins vs 21 loses, and may have won another SB or two.

Oh please. Talk about over dramatic. If Shanahan goes 75-21 or whatever it will be because he fell in with a team already in a great setup and with a great defense. Do you think we're in that position? We don't have a defense worth ****. Shanahan wanted to bring back Slowick so we weren't going to have a good defense next year and that was 100% guaranteed. I wanted Mike to stay but I knew we would have a bottom defense again next year because of Slowik.

[rastaman]

Cowher may not be thinking he doesn't want to coach right now, but if someone offers him enough, he will come out of retirement.

Cowher benefitted from the system in Pittsburgh! You tell, b/c they plugged in their current coach (can't think of his name), and the Steelers haven't skipped a beat.

[snowspot66]

do you watch football?

Cowher every year put forth a really strong Pittsburgh team. he was able to win without overpaying players. the owners did not throw big money around to players and he was still able to win.

he would come in and add a toughness to this team that has been missing for years, which is what this team needs.

And you think Cowher did that all on his own do you? Steelers fans wanted to fire Cowher until his team fell into the Super Bowl and finally won it. You're projecting him as a football God when it's the same thing that Shanahan has going for him. He won a Super Bowl. The difference is he left the game with the Super Bowl shine in full glory. Mike's has had ten years to fade.

[ScottXray]

Heres another scenario.......After 6 years of trying to find the magic of delivering a winner in Denver and having gone thru 2 head coaches. Fans could be moaning and complaining.......I can't believe Bowlen has figured out how to hire a winning coach! What the hell is wrong with Bowlen? Over the last 6 years, Denver has won 24 games and lost 72 games. Meanwhile, coach Shanahan has accomplished 75 wins vs 21 loses, and may have won another SB or two.
Keep dreaming! Wherever Mike goes or ends up unless he finds an Elway and a TD he'll do about the same. If he goes to a franchise all loaded with talent and a respectable D he'll do well for a few years, maybe even win a SB or two...until his lack of defensive attention brings him down again.

History DOES repeat itself. Mikes history is being unable to build a complete team. Eventually he ends up at 500.

[SureShot]

Cowher benefitted from the system in Pittsburgh! You tell, b/c they plugged in their current coach (can't think of his name), and the Steelers haven't skipped a beat.

Omar Epps.

Cowher benefitted from the front office.

[rastaman]

Oh please. Talk about over dramatic. If Shanahan goes 75-21 or whatever it will be because he fell in with a team already in a great setup and with a great defense. Do you think we're in that position? We don't have a defense worth ****. Shanahan wanted to bring back Slowick so we weren't going to have a good defense next year and that was 100% guaranteed. I wanted Mike to stay but I knew we would have a bottom defense again next year because of Slowik.

Oh I hear what you're saying. Sure Shanahan may not win 75 games over a 6 year period. However, the point I'm making, the odds are very strong that Shanahan will be more successful over a 6 year period with another team the Broncos will be; especially if he's willing to allow a GM to do GM personnel duties and all he has to do is concentrate with the X's and O's.

[rastaman]

Omar Epps.

Cowher benefitted from the front office.

Dam you're right! The head coach looks like Omar Epps older brother or Dad!Hilarious!

[llayne]

OK. I am no expert. But in this I believe. Bowlen will make a play for a guy from one of the top franchises out there right now. When we hired Mike, we plucked him from the Super Bowl winning 49ers. I do not think Mr. B has Championship aspirations and I think he will make a play for the Pats GM. Very rarly does a Gm have a chance to come into a team with as much entrenched talent as what the broncos have. If not him, the Goodmans will be promoted. The Head coach will either be The Pats coordinator(has done wonders) or someone of a similar caliber. That being said, I still want to wake up and know Shanny is still coaching. However, ten years and one playoff victory would get anyone fired. (maybe he was too good at getting the most out of mediocre players)...

[cutthemdown]

very sad day

[footstepsfrom#27]

HOLY CRAP! I thought this was a joke!

Amazing...I didn't think Bowlen had it in him.

[Jason in LA]

I can't believe this ****. It just keeps getting worse.

[montrose]

Cutler is so pissed, the team hadn't even called him yet.

[rastaman]

Keep dreaming! Wherever Mike goes or ends up unless he finds an Elway and a TD he'll do about the same. If he goes to a franchise all loaded with talent and a respectable D he'll do well for a few years, maybe even win a SB or two...until his lack of defensive attention brings him down again.

History DOES repeat itself. Mikes history is being unable to build a complete team. Eventually he ends up at 500.

True. Mikes success has come with coaching and working with HOF-Franchise QB's as in Steve Young and John Elway.

An interesting possibility would be if the Jets go after and sign Matt Cassell, Shanahan might be intrigued enough with the upside and potential of Cassell as a franchise QB, and take the Head Coaching job.

Another scenario if the KC's sign Cassell and hire Shanahan as head coach as well. The Chiefs are stocked with talent on both sides of the ball. I wouldn't be shocked to see Shanahan on the KC sidelines in 2009.

[cutler_to_marshall]

theres the possibility he takes at least a year off. He doesnt need the money.

[Boltjolt]

This is a shock.
Next season will be a big change for your team. The cut blocking and having smaller OL to run a different scheme. The new HC im sure will want to bring in his own people which means you most likely will get rid of Slowik...which i dont like. New playbook for Cutler to learn. Could be rough, but you never know. Look at Miami, but then again, they couldnt get worse.

I think id be happy if i were a Bronco fan. Shanny just wasnt cutting it and his GM and HC status wasnt working. He made some bad moves the past few seasons.

[footstepsfrom#27]

They won't bring in Urban Meyer, he is a Spread Option coach he won't leave the college game.
Meyer claims that he incorporates elements of Walsh's WCO in the Gator's offense. http://www.cameronnewtononline.org/cameron-newton-news07302007.php

I think he'd be a good choice but I wonder if he'd want th hassle of the pros? We need a young guy who the team can grow with not a retread like Marty.

[TonyR]

I hope Shanahan doesn't change your comments to thanks for the nightmares Mike, especially should Shanahan becomes a dominant head coach in the AFC west or in the AFC with another team and he's owning the Broncos when they meet twice a year or knocks them out of the playoffs every year.

You really need to take a deep breath, have a drink or two, take a hot shower, something to calm yourself down. Come on. I appreciate all Shanahan did for this organization but it was time to move on. One playoff win and one division title in ten years. You act like we've done something lately. Take a step back and look at what's really gone on, particularly over the last few years. It's not that bad. This team needs a new direction, even if it does have to take a small step back for a year. New coaches worked out in Miami, Atlanta, and Baltimore this year, and all 3 of those teams had worse years last year than we did this year. Seriously, get a grip.

[TonyR]

John Clayton's thoughts on Cowher in Denver.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3800871

Be sure to watch the video.

[snowspot66]

This is a shock.
Next season will be a big change for your team. The cut blocking and having smaller OL to run a different scheme. The new HC im sure will want to bring in his own people which means you most likely will get rid of Slowik...which i dont like. New playbook for Cutler to learn. Could be rough, but you never know. Look at Miami, but then again, they couldnt get worse.

I think id be happy if i were a Bronco fan. Shanny just wasnt cutting it and his GM and HC status wasnt working. He made some bad moves the past few seasons.

Our line isn't small anymore. In fact it's probably the most flexible line we've had in years. All the guys can move and I believe they are all at or near 300. Except maybe Weigman and Hamilton. But they aren't the small fries we used to have either.

[Bronx33]

Another thought about mike sticking will slowik being pats last straw.

Jay Cutler is 11-1 as an NFL starter when his team gives up less than 23 points. The only loss coming to Green Bay in Overtime.

[barryr]

I'm happy with the move. The team did not respond to Shanahan anymore. Time for a new voice.

Not to mention, Shanahan has not been able to improve this crappy defense for the last few years. The d-line has been pretty MIA during this team, yet other than DC's, the position coaches have pretty much stayed the same.

I really only felt the defense would only get better if Shanahan was replaced and someone else making the changes needed.

[HooptyHoops]

Man, I have mixed feelings on this...hopefully Bowlen can hire to fuel some enthusiasm in the city and the team!!

[2KBack]

Damn, forget about this firing being a historical day for the broncos, think about the Mane. This may be the single most polarizing event that could have happened in this place. This is going to be a full on Orange and Blue civil war

Oh yeah, and While I am sad that this firing took place, I am cautiously excited by the prospect. This shows that Bowlen is damn serious about this team still (something I was concerned about), and I think he will do anything he can to get this team back on top again.

[rastaman]

You really need to take a deep breath, have a drink or two, take a hot shower, something to calm yourself down. Come on. I appreciate all Shanahan did for this organization but it was time to move on. One playoff win and one division title in ten years. You act like we've done something lately. Take a step back and look at what's really gone on, particularly over the last few years. It's not that bad. This team needs a new direction, even if it does have to take a small step back for a year. New coaches worked out in Miami, Atlanta, and Baltimore this year, and all 3 of those teams had worse years last year than we did this year. Seriously, get a grip.

You maybe right with your optimism with the new direction the Broncos are going and with your opinion with why it was time to let Shanahan go. However, I am only stating the worse case scenario. I also believe that Bowlen panicked and pulled the trigger a year or two too early with firing Mike.

I believed Shanahan needed another year to have all the RB's injurty free. The RB's were key to sustaining drives and taking time of the clock. Thus keeping Denver's mediocre Defense off the field as much as possible and keeping opossing teams offense on the sidelines as well. Shanahan never got the chance to put that plan into action with injuries.

A healthy stable of running backs, Denver had the possibilty to have won 4 or 5 more games and not bothered with facing SD for a playoff spot and winning the AFC West.

I guess Shanahan will need to test his theory out with another NFL team.

[rastaman]

Damn, forget about this firing being a historical day for the broncos, think about the Mane. This may be the single most polarizing event that could have happened in this place. This is going to be a full on Orange and Blue civil war

Oh yeah, and While I am sad that this firing took place, I am cautiously excited by the prospect. This shows that Bowlen is damn serious about this team still (something I was concerned about), and I think he will do anything he can to get this team back on top again.

The only cure for the polarization effect on the Mane....is to put a winning product on the field as soon as possible in two years. It can be done.....look at the Dolphins. There just isn't any guarantees the Broncos can turn it around like the Dolphins were able to do.

[oubronco]

Hold me now

I'm six feet from the edge and i'm thinkin

maybe six feet ain't so far down

[Drek]

I can see where Bowlen is coming from with this.

This team's production the last three years is entirely unacceptable. The only part of the team that wasn't grossly below average was the offense, and you can make a pretty legitimate argument that a lot of that success came from great talent, not just Shanahan's coaching.

The biggest problem though is that our players don't have the same intensity of even average NFL teams. We got above average talent at a lot of real important opinions, but so many guys are "favorites" of certain coaches that they basically don't need to worry about their jobs or playing time. That is total BS in the NFL. Shanahan pays lip service to competition but then it takes Woodyard months to get in the lineup and loses his job once some guys get healthy. Same with Barrett and Dumervil. Its hard to believe him when he says that he's all about competition when we've seen rookies ride the pine and suddenly blow up when finally given the chance. Either they're showing it in practice and are being blocked by vets, or Shanahan's practices didn't prepare people, i.e. the coaches, to make valid gameday decisions.

Its reality, I hope we get a coach with some more fire left in his belly because I've started to question Shanahan's. He's still an offensive genius but he's running a hell of a lot more than just the offense and doesn't show the same drive for dominance in those other facets of the organization.

[Drek]

You maybe right with your optimism with the new direction the Broncos are going and with your opinion with why it was time to let Shanahan go. However, I am only stating the worse case scenario. I also believe that Bowlen panicked and pulled the trigger a year or two too early with firing Mike.

I believed Shanahan needed another year to have all the RB's injurty free. The RB's were key to sustaining drives and taking time of the clock. Thus keeping Denver's mediocre Defense off the field as much as possible and keeping opossing teams offense on the sidelines as well. Shanahan never got the chance to put that plan into action with injuries.

A healthy stable of running backs, Denver had the possibilty to have won 4 or 5 more games and not bothered with facing SD for a playoff spot and winning the AFC West.

I guess Shanahan will need to test his theory out with another NFL team.

So Mike Shanahan's master plan all along was to just play offense, but do it so well that no one can beat you?

Wow. Genius. Why didn't we give him another 15 years to pull that off?

he didn't get it done as a person in charge of the whole team. He wanted that challenge and he failed at it. He's probably still a great offensive coach but he can't assemble a full roster or get even league average special teams or defense consistently. That don't cut it and I'm sure he doesn't want to give up any power. So he's gone, time to move on.

[2KBack]

I can see where Bowlen is coming from with this.

This team's production the last three years is entirely unacceptable. The only part of the team that wasn't grossly below average was the offense, and you can make a pretty legitimate argument that a lot of that success came from great talent, not just Shanahan's coaching.

The biggest problem though is that our players don't have the same intensity of even average NFL teams. We got above average talent at a lot of real important opinions, but so many guys are "favorites" of certain coaches that they basically don't need to worry about their jobs or playing time. That is total BS in the NFL. Shanahan pays lip service to competition but then it takes Woodyard months to get in the lineup and loses his job once some guys get healthy. Same with Barrett and Dumervil. Its hard to believe him when he says that he's all about competition when we've seen rookies ride the pine and suddenly blow up when finally given the chance. Either they're showing it in practice and are being blocked by vets, or Shanahan's practices didn't prepare people, i.e. the coaches, to make valid gameday decisions.

Its reality, I hope we get a coach with some more fire left in his belly because I've started to question Shanahan's. He's still an offensive genius but he's running a hell of a lot more than just the offense and doesn't show the same drive for dominance in those other facets of the organization.

I agree on all accounts. as shocked as I was, I am warming up to this change. I know there are going to be bumps in the road, but complacancy is bad. The broncos have felt like they've been coasting for a while now. If this is handled the right way it doesn't have to be as painful a shake up as people are fearing. A smart new coach will know what to change and what to leave alone. This isn't a firing to blow up the team, it's a firing because it was time to put some power back into the hands of other minds in the Valley.

One thing I would do is go back to northern colorado for training camp. An odd thing to request i know, but the team has been downhill since players were allowed to stay at home during camp.

[TheReverend]

Tomorrow Pat Bowlen is holding a press conference at 10AM MST to greet the press and then make this big announcement:

"PSYCHE! Got you ****ers, didn't I?!?!"

[backup qb]

This just sucks. I don't care what anyone says, who you gonna get that is better?

[broncocalijohn]

Damn, forget about this firing being a historical day for the broncos, think about the Mane. This may be the single most polarizing event that could have happened in this place. This is going to be a full on Orange and Blue civil war

Oh yeah, and While I am sad that this firing took place, I am cautiously excited by the prospect. This shows that Bowlen is damn serious about this team still (something I was concerned about), and I think he will do anything he can to get this team back on top again.

you dont remember the Cutler vs Plummer threads or O4L major HOF meltdown?