First let me say Happy New Year to everyone and their families. There’s a lot of emotion flying around out there and that’s O.K. because we’re all fans and bleed Broncos Blue and Orange.
I tend to keep things simple in my mind. Pointing fingers has really never been my style. Welcome to the NFL. The cold hard facts are as Mike said. He didn’t win and it’s his job “ultimately” to win. Pat Bowlen in one of the best owners in the league. I can speak personally to that. Why because I’m a lot closer to that aspect than most, unless you played in the NFL.
I have mixed feelings. Why, because I played for Mike and have a lot of respect for what he has done for the organization and I have the same respect for Pat Bowlen. Respect is something that is earned with me. Not a given, because you own the team or you make more money or your a head coach or you have a better job. There’s plenty of those guys out there that I have very little respect for but that’s a different story.
No one is perfect. We can all look in the mirror and see that. Mike didn’t get it done in the last few years and Mr. Bowlen felt he needed a change. He’s the owner and it’s his team, he calls the shots whether you like them or not — his team.
If you listened to the interview it was simple. Two friends going in different directions. The NFL is a tough place for players and coaches. Perform or you won’t be there very long…that simple. That’s not an easy concept to understand if your a paid employee in a corporation. Yes, you can be laid off like anyone else but often it has nothing to do with performance. If you work for yourself you have a better understanding, because everyday when you get out of bed, either you perform or you go out of business.
I’d like to thank Mike for the time he was here and wish him luck. He’s a class guy and always will be in my book, regardless of what some of you think or say in this blog. I’m not calling anyone out because your welcome to your opinion as I am. Sometimes folks get emotional and carried away a little..that’s why we’re all fans..that’s what we do, that’s why it’s fun.
Personally I’d love to see Elway take a operational position in the organization. I think that would be a huge plus. I text him last night when I heard the news. I think he’s ignoring me. 
)
He has the ability and he would bring another level or professionalism to an already highly respected group, from the front office to the back, leaving no one out.
By the way, I’m not sure you all know how well respected the team, organization, and Mr. Bowlen are around the league. FIRST CLASS.
So where do we go from here? Speculation…that should keep us busy for a while. Let’s keep it simple. We have one of the best offenses in the league and with some revamping on Defense the futures so bright you have to wear shades.
Who would you like to see as the next Head Coach?
-Coop
Tags: Denver Broncos, Mike Shanahan, Pat Bowlen
I like the idea of Elway as QB coach, and right now nothing more. That would be pretty insane having him on the staff. And like broncos14441 said that it would be good for Jay. I also like BroncosFan973′s idea w/ spagnola as Head Coach and Morris as Defensive Cooridinator, but I don’t think that will happen. If Morris can get a Head Coaching job then he’ll leave but if he doesn’t get one, he’ll just stay where he is at.
I’m sorry COOP and o-line_fan 67, but Jim Fassell has never proven to be anything but average wherever he goes. Is’nt that why Mr. Bowlen relieved Mike Shanahan? I’m sure He’s a nice guy and everything but average is NOT what we want. 24 – 24 in three years.
Steve spagnuolo is the best coach of all that are on the list and those who have been interviewed. I wouldnt wanna see jim johnson as head coach for the people that want him, i think hes better at just being a defensive coordinator then he would at head coach. And if you want to list all the things jim johnson has does remember who worker under him for so long…..steve spagnuolo. I didnt agree with the firing of mike shanahan and still i think it was the wrong move but whats done is done and you just got to move on. STEVE SPAGNUOLO FOR HEAD COACH.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!
JASON GARRET IS A HIGLY OVERRATED COACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo comes with rave reviews. He greatly impressed the Broncos executives he had dinner with Saturday night in New Jersey, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising to see him wind up with the job.
But most league insiders believe Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the coach the Broncos are interviewing Sunday morning, is the leader for the Denver job.
For starters, McDaniels is at the stage in his career now that Dan Reeves was when the Broncos made him the youngest head coach back in 1981. Owner Pat Bowlen bought the team in 1984 and stayed with Reeves for nearly a decade.
When Bowlen later hired Shanahan in 1995 (after a two-year stint with defensive-minded Wade Phillips), the owner once again was drawn to the coach’s youth and offensive imagination.
And, at 32, McDaniels would bring Bowlen the same attributes his two primary coaching hires have. Plus, as the Patriots’ play-caller and offensive mastermind with defensive-minded head coach Bill Belichick, McDaniels got the most out of quarterback Matt Cassel. Just imagine what McDaniels could do with Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler.
Denver still will go through an exhaustive interview process. But league insiders believe McDaniels is the coach to beat.”
Posted in: Adam Schefter
if My memory severs me correct Fassel was the o cord when Elway thru for 4000 yards when Philips was head coach Bobby humphries was the tailback and also had 2 good seasons
or was humphries under Reeves?
Doing your home work A+
nice post, coop. i had a chance to meet shanahan at a golf club once. he was a quality act, i wish him well. i hope we retain the offensive position coaches as part of an agreement with whoever they bring in. i don’t think we have to draft an early round running back. let’s draft alot of defensive players, preferably with a nasty attitude. GO BRONCOS!!!
I think I would cry if Shanny were replaced by an offensive minded guy. Whatever Mike’s weaknesses may be, he is an offensive genius. Replacing him with any offensive guy would almost certainly be a step back.
I know Bowlen said he wants a guy that’s a 10 in all areas, but realistically, is that possible?
I would like to see all the assistant coaches on the offensive side stay put and continue this year’s success on that side of the ball.
I hope a defensive minded head coach like Spagnuolo is hired, and that he will strive to keep the offense the same while completely revamping the defense/ST.
Besides Bailey, no one on the defense really seems amazing. Champ at 100 % is a god though.
We need some more like him, or troy polumalo, or antonio freeman.
What about this guys, If McDaniels is the lead canidate and he is an offensive genius, what about him as the head coach, and Mario Creunnel as the D coordinator. Sounds like a dream team to me. As long as Crunnel puts in the rookies on defense like Wood,Larsen,and Barrett. Also McDaniels would have field day with Cutler and Torain with Hillis as a FB.
Whoever the coach ends up being I hope he tries to draft one of those USC defensive players. Those dudes on that D love to play the game and love to hit! Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava, Fili Moala and Taylor Mays are a bunch of BEAST. I’ll take anyone of them on our team.
The Perfect situation for the Denver Broncos is to hire Steve Spagnuolo (or at least a defensive minded coach.)as head coach under the conditions that Jeremy Bates will run the offense and Bobby Turner will coach the runningbacks. Just think of the damage we could do if we were able to mix the overpowering Giants defense with our Explosive offense. I say we would very likely be AFC Championshp contenders at the least!!!
Also about the draft I think we should take Chris Laurinitis from Ohio State. He is a beast in the middle and he would anchor down the defense and allow DJ and Boss to explode around the outer areas of the field
long time reader first time writer, This is a new era. Clearly the offense was awesome. Not to say Hillis wont be great… But how about Turner, he is a free agent this year. Did you see him run ??? against the colts… how about Rey Malualga and Taylor Mays from USC…???
Jimmy Johnson or Spagnuolo is definitely the way to go. they will bring the defense back to where it belongs
the last thing we need is more linebackers. we have 6 good players. We need interior d lineman, a ddefensive end, and some help in the secondary…serious help. Of the candidates in the mix, Spagnulo is the best. Defensive minded HC? That is exactly what we need! Personally, I think we should get after Bill Cowher.
I agree with broncosforlife80 JASON GARRET IS A HIGHLY OVERRATED COACH.
It would be great to draft Rey Maualuga, depending on who is available with the 12th overall pick….(or if we trade up). You’re right Caramelloo: Maualuga is a beast at 6’3″ 250 lbs. What a prospect at MLB, as he has great instincts and in the right system could emerge as a leader on defense! B. J. Raji – 6′ 1″ 335 lbs NT, out of Boston College could also be a prospect on the D Line. Taylor Mays from USC at Free Safety is a big hitter! There is no question, we need some studs on the D side of the ball! We’ll see who the new coach will be and go from there.
Thanks royalbroncofan1, yeah B. J. Raji would be nice @ DT. We are @ a good spot @ 12. dpbroncos I think you meant Sprolles and if so he’ll never be a Bronco for many reasons.
One of the most underrated aspects of this conversation is the amount of time that we, the fans, think that Pat Bowlen will take in making this decision. I don’t think we will have an answer until the end of February at the earliest. Bowlen knows that the weakness of this years team was the defense but he has always done things his way. The picture will become much clearer as we see position coaches, coordinators, and assistants being let go. Although my belief that this is going to happen has lessened of late I still believe that Bowlen will try to convince Bill Cower to take control of this team. Cower has always been intrigued by the Broncos and I would be surprised if he would turn down the opportunity if given the chance. What I’m waiting to see above any head coaching change is weather Wade Phillips survives in Dallas. I’m not sold on anything Jerry Jones says and I think that Wades position is not nearly as secure as some might assume. If Wade does not survive then I would snatch him up as Denver’s next Defensive Coordinator. If Cower comes to Denver he will want to run some version of the 3-4 and Phillips, while not a great head coach, is one of the best 3-4 Defensive coordinators to coach in this league. If, though, Cower does not take the bait then we need to bring in a coach that is going to make this team his own. One thing that Denver fans have to be prepared for if a guy like Spagnuolo takes the team is a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball. I’m not talking about guys like Bly or Williams either but great Broncos players like Doom. So many personnel aspects of the Broncos lends a pro Cower theme that I would be surprised if he didn’t jump at the chance even if he’s told everyone that he is not going to coach this year. You have a Bettis like back in Hillis, a young QB that puts Roethlisberger to shame and an o-line that is without equal. Defensively; Cower knows how to select players that are game changers. He also believes in out muscling your opponent. Your not going to see any tweeners on his defense. As a final selling point you need only look at the fact that Cower was a player and a coach. He has also had to deal with a wide ranging and very diversified group of people. From the melt down likes of Cordell Stewart to the very talented but “need for structure” guys like S Troy Polamalu. It may be a pipe dream but its a nice one. If we do get a younger coach I agree with most of you that have said we need a very strong GM. Without one, the structure of this team won’t amount to a hill of beans. That’s the one point that scares me more than the firing of Shanahan. As both Bowlen and Shanahan stated, Shanahan has been wearing both hats for so long that Bowlen may not know the first thing about what kind of GM he wants or how to go about putting a talented young coach and veteran GM together. I think that it is the trickiest pairing in today’s game. Take a look at the Chargers next year and you will see what I mean. A.J. Smith has made everybody’s bed and they all, from Norv Turner to the towel boy, have to lay in it. There won’t be anymore of this “Well we better go back to Marty’s book” to save them next year. One thing that I am not clear on and would appreciate some insight is John Elway’s situation. I was to understand that the Arena League was all but defunct and was thinking about folding up entirely. Is this incorrect? If Elway were to step in for the Broncos it would not surprise me. Simple psychology applies here. When ever something traumatic happens then we all return to what we know best. Bowlens unease with the questions that were put to him about the GM position lead me to believe that he had not given that part of the equation as much thought as he should have. This means he is liable to do something that makes us all scratch our heads. Elway though would make a lot of sense. There has to be something of his father Jacks ability to sniff out talent and he understands business and personnel as well as anyone in the league. We are not talking about a Millenesque person here. Elway was the wealthiest QB outside of the league when he was playing for Denver. One interesting point here is the fact that Elway’s connection to Wade Phillips is actually strong. Elway always spoke very highly of Phillips as a D- Coordinator. Well it will be an interesting ride. I hope that Shanahan is met with all of the success in the world. There is not a higher character guy in the entire league and we, the Broncos fans, owe that man for two world titles and the building of an organization that is tops among the league. Pat Bowlen gave Mike the money. Shanahan built the franchise. One other thing has become apparent from reading these blogs. Denver has the most knowledgeable fan base in the entire NFL. The information here is not only impressive but incredibly detailed. Thanks for all of the food for thought.
Dominate,
Mike in San Diego.
Long time viewer first time poster….
Long time Bronco fan since 1982 and Craig Morton. I was 9 then. Im 35 now. I was ecstatic when Shanny was hired in 95.
14 years down the track and he’s gone and i’m saddened. There is no doubt that his 02 thru 05 drafts were overall crap (DJ and DWill excepted (RIP)). Also, some of his FA moves were less than stellar.
Losing Bertrand Berry, Reggie Hayward and Trevor Pryce was tough but thats the NFL. We got value in the Champ for Portis trade. But there were plenty more busts…Rice, Gardiner to name but a few – Bly, Boss Bailey etc…..
Having said that, 3 DC in 3 years is too much. Too many different schemes and too many different types of players already in the system when the new DC’s arrived – and no real value in any of the drafts on the d side. Moss the jury is still out, Crowder not so much and Thomas has been probably the best of all ( yes Harris is a hit but its an O player)
Full credit to the O drafts…. near perfect.
But to this year. Putting some 17 players on IR, 7 RB and all the pundits gave us an .500 at best year …BEFORE THE INJURY DECIMATION!.
That is my issue. Yes we blew the last 2 years but this year was an awesome performance to get JC 4000+ yards when everyone knew he was going to pass. Same with the O line…… every DC knew to play the pass bc with NO RB available…where u think its gonna go??
This year was not the time to get rid of Mike. We were haemmorhging talent all season and Mike stopped the bleeding enough to get to 8-8.
He deserved a pass this time . Now JC is pissed and Bates needs to stay to keep him happy. My biggest concern is Shanny taking a year off, going to Dallas next year and pulling JC to Dallas when his contract is up. BAD JUJU!!!!!
Stay strong Broncos and please Mr Bowlen – Give ur new HC the backing and resources he needs to create another Denver Dynasty….
Go Denver!!!!!
Anybody that thinks we should draft Chris Weanie Wells is a fool. He would be the first guy in the training room with a pulled uterus. Wells lacks NFL toughness…
I think spagnulo is the best fit for what we need. Our defense was pathetic, and to call garret over rated is putting it mild he is a joke as a play caller I live in texas and forced to watch cowboy games every week
Lepsis-Fan78… he’s not meaning that he wants some coach to come in and change Cutler, he’s talking about what this new coach could do with Cutler’s talents. Just had to point that out. Cutler is just bursting with talent and just itching to get this team into the playoffs… any coach wanting to mess with that could not possibly be considered by Bowlen to be HC of this team. I’m trusting that Bowlen will do something smart for once in this offseason and just leave our offense alone… get someone with our defense in mind and run with it! Our D is just crying out for help… they need it so bad its not even funny.
Cutler is the guy we’ve been looking for post-Elway times to lead this team all the way, we just need someone to keep him going in the right direction… I think that’s what broncofannsd is trying to say. But again, its a known fact around here that we need someone with defense in mind so that we can get that straightened out while we have some fantastic offensive minds that will keep our offense going strong.
And I like your ideas about Elway just trying to get Cutler to be more of the leader we need. Like I’ve said before, I think Elway would be perfect for being like a mentor to Cutler… someone to just keep him on the right track. And the idea of Shanny as just a GM would be great but I’d say that’s pretty much a fat chance. If it could work out someway for Elway to come in and be GM and a mentor to Cutler… I’d say we would have it made. Or the other possible solution could be Elway as just our QB coach… that guy could make a rock look like a Pro Bowl QB. I’d love to see Elway get involved in any way possible… to see him back as a part of this team would rock my world! Its just a matter of if he even wants to do it and if Bowlen has even thought about… I can’t imagine how Elway hasn’t even crossed Bowlen’s mind but then again I didn’t think he’d fire Shanny. Still p’od about it… I’ll be holding a grudge over this.
Oh, the outcome ought to be interesting – that’s all I can say.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
COOP!
I don’t why everybody is thinking The broncos should keep the Offensive Coaching staff intact and cleanhouse on the D. The Offense scored under 20 points 7 times and under 25 points 11 times that only leaves 30 or more 5 times that to me isn’t that explosive that’s average at best. Yes they racked up a whole lot of yards and completions but in the RED ZONE when it counts They were sub par. (Shotgun does’nt work in the RED ZONE). Sure There are some notables that should be considered Bobby Turner is a STUD, Rick Dennison is GREAT but Jeremy Bates is just ok at QB Coach but very average at calling play’s. I think everybody just remembers the success and not the failures. It’s like haveing your pocket Ace’s cracked on the river, that’s all you can remember you can’t remember how many time you won with them. 30 turnovers come on! Countless 3&OUTS, and controling the TIME OF POSSESSION 3 times out of 16 is also sub par. I don’t know what else to say except the Fan’s have selective memories.
All I know is I will support whomever Mr. Bowlen hires and hope for the best result’s
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
yea several of you guys mentioned that DT B.J Raji out of BC…some mock drafts had us picking the guy at 12……I dont know but we need a monster at DT…..either by draft or free agency.(cant be a bust)
who I’d love to see us draft is either Mauluga, Laurinitis (at MLB)very instinctive ILBs, Taylor Mays or Patrick Chung of Oregon (at safety) solid-all around athletes, Victor “macho” Harris of VTech or their safety Chancellor( we have Royal to entice either two..ahah) , Texas DE Orakpo. I’ve seen a cornerback out of Jackson State play outstanding man-to-man coverage, names Dominique Johnson (6’2″-190 lbs w/ 4.39 40yrd dash) this kid looks like the second coming of Nhamdi Asomugha…hopefully….
this is all wishful thinking, hope we are agressive.
oh! I too like Spags as a HC…
yea we’re already set at OLBs so no need to worry much at that position,,as does the offense
ramz 2129
ya i hear ya. but he didnt get those jobs. as a matter of fact best he could do was linebackers coach in SD or at least i assume it was the best he could do cuz he took the job. he was promoted ya but i think his success in chicago was helped along by Lovie Smith who is a defensive wizard and good players. i want him to show more personally. again i could be wrong. my playoff pics sure were.
o and i think we are no where near where we need to be with our linebackers. because we don’t have a great middle linebacker. we have some bad ones and an unproven one we hope will blossom. we seriously are far from set at linebacker. look at the difference in our run d with Al Wilson and without him. and then look at our whole d. we need a dominating middle linebacker (Lauranitis) and then we’ll be set.
OMG! Shanahan gone! What a STUPID move! Another year or maybe two and this team would have been Superbowl contenders. The fix? Defense! Way to go guys! All that money and didnt do your job. Dont do a job, refund the money! Shanahan didnt do his job? Please! No other coach alive could have taken such an injury plagued team and produced the record they had. I am surprised they went 8-8 with all the injuries. They could have sealed a playoff spot but PLAYER error and poor defense contributed to their demise, not coaching.
Bolen decision to FIRE Shanahan….Im glad that guy doesnt handle my buisiness. Maybe he has been associated with football too long and he needs to go.
I live in the heart of Chiefs country and have been an avid Broncos fan since I can remember. Its going to be very hard to watch Denvers poor productions for the next few years. It wont surprise me to see some of our hottest players leave and go with Shanahan wherever he lands. I hope I am wrong. Geezzzz.
For you Shanahan haters…he is the best! The majority of his calls and plays are excellant. The players just dont capitolize on the call…who’s fault is that? Maybe if the high pay and endorsements were not so easy to aquire, they would play like they should for the money they make. But then again, these guys are new too and it takes time to put Champions together…If you didnt notice, Denver came out of the gate winning games..then injuries came right and left….You say thats the Coaches fault? I dont. Its a rough sport and things happen. With the injuries this year, Shanahan did one hell of a job to get the record they had.
Defense was Denvers problem. There will be a whole list of new problems now. For you West Coast haters that are happy Shanahan is gone. I can see why you are happy, your teams will be able to produce winning records now.
One more note before I conclude my who gives a care opinion….for those who wish to see Marty Shottenheimer as a Bronco Coach…Drink some coffee and wake up….Around Chiefs country, they dont call him (to be politically correct) crapnhammer for nothing. But on the other hand, he would go hand in hand with the poor seasons the Broncos are about to suffer. (Praying they dont)
I am a die hard Bronco fan but if I see them perform next year like I am afraid they are going to under new conditions, its going to be hard to stay focused with them. Shocked, depressed and if my little column doesnt make sense….its becaused I am P@#$@ off with the Shanahan decision and the poor defensive season.
God Bless you Mike Shanahan and family…you will be sorely missed! Dallas would be smart to jump on you. Your friend made a crappy buisiness decision. Glad I dont have stock riding on it.
Lepsis-Fan78 – read my blog again. If you look carefully, you’ll see quotation marks indicating that I copied and pasted an article that was posted by Adam Schefter. I found the article interesting and wanted to share with my fellow Broncos fan.
07elway – you go girl!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
Defence Wins Championships. No point getting rid of Shanahan if we are only going to focus on the offence again. Bring in Spagnuolo or Ryan or any of the top defensive minds. Defence Defence Defence.
Who’s to say a new Deffensive minded HC wont want to bring in his own Coaches on the Offensive side and who’s to say that an Offensive minded HC would clean house? All I want right now is for Mr. Bowlen to hire the best HC out there it does’nt matter to me what his background is as long as he can manage people, deligate responsability, and comunicate with the front office. it’s the Coordinaters job to run thier respective squad. I want the BEST manager of people. So please Mr. Bowlen take your time and make the correct decision don’t do anything rash true Broncos fan’s will back you up!
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
I’m still in total shock.. I certainly don’t agree with the firing, Shanny deserved to come back for one more season. He’s built a very young and talented offensive unit that was decimated by injuries. If Hillis had stayed healthy.. we’d be in the playoffs!!
As for the new coach, I’m certainly not opposed to a Defensive minded coach but I think the “in-house” candidate, Rick Dennison might be what we need. He’s been a defensive player and an offensive coach for the team…. he knows the players well and has the knowledge on both sides of the ball.
Orang_Crush420 I agree Rick Dennison is a good candidate but is he the Best available or will he be an interum Coach?
Why cant you guys see the beauty in Mcdaniels guiding a QB like Cutler,and have Cruennel or Jim J or even Wade as a D coordinator. I like the idea of Shanny being the GM with McDaniels as HC but lets face it, its not gonna happen. If we’re REALLY lucky to put together a dream team, look at Spanguloa as HC and McDaniels as QB coach and Dennison as O coodinator.Or McDaniels HC Spanguloa as D coodinater(thats golden)and build from there. What do you guys think about that?
That sounds like a wet dream, all of those guy’s want the HC position! But keep dreaming it might happen.
I agree Monodono. Everyone seems to think the Offense was so great. Like you said, they did rack up yardage at times. But scoring was no where what it should have been. Is it me or did our Offense seem to start every game hot for the first 2 to 3 possesions. From there it seemed like the opposing Defenses adjusted quickly and we struggled the rest of the game. This seemed to be our pattern every game with the exception of a few. Having said that. I do fully agree that our Defense needs the most hlep. I think our Offense has all the weapons and makings to great with the proper play calling in place.
So I see all these opinions and the only ones that I can see as the next HC of the Denver Broncos is my fav. Steve Spagnolo, or Josh McDaniels, these guys are the only ones that spark my interests, Mayber Frasier would be a good one 2, I just don’t want to see all our attention go on defense and let a potential elite offense go to waste, We did not have a good enough running game in my opinion, sure we had injuries, but I think we need a featured back to make us a good Offense 4 sure, I love Peyton HIllis, this guy can play football, I really think Defense with Spags is a great decision, but the thing is I always had a sense of security with Shanahan like each year we had a chance to win a Superbowl, now my mind is full of Questions, I dont know whats gonna happen, hopefully good things come, Our offense needs to get better 2 guys, it works both ways, We need both a good offense and Defense to win football games, if the offense sucks, then the D gets to tired, if the D sucks the offense has more pressure, I agree with most that D is our main concern this offseason, just saying lets not forget our offense 2, its the not the best, it has potential, but it need some attention 2 so it will keep improving and progresss
I BLEED ORANGE & BLUE DENVER BRONCO FAN 4 LIFE!!!!
Hummm, I see ur point lepsis-fan78, Ur absolutely right,Jay is definately a pro bowler and he doesnt need fixing,but in my opinion he could use just some GUIDING so his INTs can decrease and his decision making can become better. I never said that our D doesnt need an overhauling and an act from GOD himself(LOL),hell we all know that, and the best guy out there to steer this talent on D is Spangouloa(I Cant spell his name). Dude, just imagine when we get Jay a solid defense which can cause us to develope a running game,what he will do for this team. I’m already becoming optimistic after my zoloft days about the firing of THE MAN SHAN! Enjoy blogging with u guys,thanks fir the response.
Our defense sucks so the only resonable sollution is Steve Spagnola
Um…Mike Shanahan…gonna miss that guy
Steve spagnuolo…
Let Mr. Bowlen find a HC then we can talk about the DC and OC. I want a HC with the ability to run a whole TEAM.
Vegasbronco7, I dont think it was the Defense’s adjusting to our game I think it had more to do with the O Coaches just not calling a Ballanced game. The Broncos would come out strong with the scripted plays then shoot from the hip and forget about the run.
Miramontes, I don’t believe The Broncos didn’t have a good enough running game they just didn’t call the running play’s. No confidence. In the last three games they called 53 running play’s and 135 passing play’s that to me show’s a lack of confidence in the running game or to much faith in the passing game either way it’s not ballanced!
When Mr. Bowlen hires a HC I can’t wait to see who he brings in or hires within as the OC & the DC that will be the telling truth as to where this TEAM will be headed.
COOP, where are ya?
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
ALL I KNOW IS THAT IF WE DON”T GET A COACH WHO IS AS PROVEN OR MORE PROVEN THAN SHANAHAN, WE NEED TO GIVE RICK DENNISON A CHANCE!!!!!!!
I don’t want to see the broncos loose that awesome offensive line that has produced efficient backs throughout the years. NO other coach could put back after back in a game plan and still produce above average results. If we don’t make him head coach then we should keep him as OC and LINE COACH.
Otherwise we will start to have to spend money on backs that we have never had to spend before. Potentially resulting in losing some key offensive players.
LETS KEEP DENNISON!!!!!!!!!! SOME HOW
I think you all have it wrong. Where the hell is Shannon Sharpe when you need him? Talk about putting some fire back into this team! He would put the fear of God into Phillip Rivers.
Um… I love Shannon Sharpe… but are you saying he should be our head coach?… Seriously don’t get me wrong I love the guy… But as a head coach???
arejay
gotta say i totally disagree with ya man. first how long are we gonna say ‘next cupla years’? its been TEN YEARS WITH ONE PLAYOFF WIN. that is simply in no way acceptable. The offense, defense, and special teams were the responsibility of Shanny. he ran the WHOLE TEAM. thats what i dont think some people are getting here. he appointed all the coordinators that have stunk up the place the last couple of years on D and ST. All that money? spent by Shanny on the wrong people. his choices of coaches to hire and players to bring in were bad and it resulted in a mediocre ten year run. again. WAY too long. all that money and not doing his job you say? that describes shanahan. The player error is a result of bad coaching. period. when you bring in bad players and bad coaches to coach em you get all those errors. Shanny again. Did you know he was refusing to fire the coordinator HE hired of the defense YOU hate? Thats just incomprehensible. That defense was horrid.
And again, to say the players performance is in no way the coaches fault is very wrong. its completely the coaches fault.
He was not fired for his offensive design and playcalling wich were great. he was fired for the team’s performance as a whole. and the whole team hasnt been good enough with even a little consistency for WAY too long. simple. Injuries are not the coaches fault but are a part of the game they should be able to adjust to and at least partly overcome. many coaches do it every season. we had a three game lead in our division with three games left and we blew it. to say the injured players we had excused that is crazy. there is no excuse for that in an organization like the Denver Broncos and i am very glad it wasnt tolerated.
I think the world of Mike Shanahan and love him for those two superbowls but Pat Bowlen did the right thing. Mike Shanahan is not ‘the best’ at running this team and we went through ten years of proof of that. His time had to end here and i am glad Mr. Bowlen would not stand for average results anymore. We will not suffer because our team will bring in the right people. count on it. These people know what they’re doing. keep your head up arejay this is a great organization that’ll be back on top sooner rather than later.
Gotta agree with you on ol’ Marty tho. i wanna superbowl win not just good regular seasons and thats all he seems to be good for wherever he goes.
Oh and dont worry your column made sense. i just dont agree with most of it.
Hmmm…. first off, its not that I think our offense is completely perfect because its not. My point in saying that I hope no one touches our offense was meant towards I hope no one as a HC comes in and tries to get rid of some our people on offense. It sounds crazy but people are thinking it… I can’t imagine a HC coming in here and trying to get rid of Cutler or Marshall or anyone like them but I’m sure some crazy person is thinking it. Our offense does need some work but not nearly as bad as our D needs it. With the exception of Champ, Boss & Dre… our defense needs a whole new look.
And as for Shanahan… yeah its pretty much on his shoulders that we only got 1 playoff win in 10 years, I can’t argue with that. As for his past drafts… not every draft choice he picked (either by himself or with the help of other people) was a waste. And maybe at the time he thought the choice he picked was worth it, thought that person would be solid enough for us… yes he picked the person but it can’t all be put on Shanahan’s shoulders because that player has expectations on them coming from Shanny, When he picked a draft choice I’m sure he was expecting that player to do his job. But there was some unnecessary spending on some players but its not like he’s the only coach to make those mistakes and I can name a few teams worse off. Our worst enemy – the Chargers, as I recall no matter who they draft they still have yet to make a Super Bowl appearance since ’96!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
louisianabroncofan;
I agree with you on one major point and it is going to be one of the biggest points of contention for any new coach that comes to Denver. The attitude of the veterans on defense is horrific. They decide when to play, how much effort to give (based on weather they believe
the play will work), and have been a constant disappointment since taking the field in the season opener and 90% of the problem has been a desire to play all out. When the veterans went down in the middle of the season it was the rookies that took up the slack. The defensive rookies beat the Jets, the Falcons, and won the only home game during the second half of the season against the Chiefs. The defensive veterans of this team returned to loose against a weak Bills team, get blown out against a San Diego team that needed OT to beat an overrated Colts team last week, and played a less than worth while game against the Panthers. I can still see Nate Webster whiffing on the second goal line stand against the Panthers thinking to myself “….he just jumped past the running back…he had him….he…..” then I passed out due to a rare blood pressure condition that is only brought on by the Broncos (of course I’m sure most of the fans here suffer from it too). The veterans have to be made accountable and the next head coach will have to contend with this attitude adjustment. Coaches are responsible for a high percentage of the players psychological preparedness and how hungry they are on the playing field. Take it from some one that has worn the smokey bear hat; you can motivate nearly anyone to do anything and a professional athlete is well beyond 50% there. Any coach who can not get the remaining percentages on his side does not know what he is doing. On a side not though; Rick Dennison is a fire and brimstone kind of coach who is willing to get into a players grill no matter who he is. This is a man who has consistently improved every unit that he has coached and is spoken of as one of the most intelligent coaches in the entire league. If Bowlen does go in house and selects Dennison then it will not surprise me nor will it worry me. As you can see with the offensive lines performance this year vs. last year; it takes Dennison about a year to get everything where he wants it. If he does take the job then we can write the ’09 season off but the ’10 season could be a master stroke. Again this is academic until we find out who would be there to support the man. Dennison will need a hard nosed veteran DC and will definitely need a strong GM. AAAAAND back down the slope goes the roller coaster.
Mike in San Diego
Anyone see Vincent Jackson was arrested on suspicion of DUI Tuesday HA! What a dumbass. GO PITTSBURG !
HEY COOP!
I just read that Tom “Nails” Nalen is talking about hanging up the cleats, whats up? He will be greatly missed if so and highly thought of. He’s the last of the Super Bowl players, 188 starts and 5 Pro Bowls DAMN! Have you got any inside stuff?