After 14 Years, Mike Shanahan Fired by the Broncos

Mike Shanahan had been with the Denver Broncos so long, it almost seemed like he had an air of invulnerability, and could not be fired.

An unnamed executive told the Washington Post,

"I thought he was the closest thing that there was to a coach for life in the NFL. I never thought Pat Bowlen would fire Mike Shanahan. It didn't matter if it was deserved or not. I just never thought it would happen."

Mike Shanahan was 24-24 over the last three seasons, missing the playoffs each time. His overall record record was 146-89, but since John Elway retired in 1999, the Broncos have had only one postseason victory.

The straw that broke the camel's back was the San Diego loss last Sunday, completing a downward spiral over the last 3 games of the season which resulted in Denver blowing a 3-game lead.

Unfortunately for 49ers' fans, Mike Shanahan was fired two days after Mike Singletary was given a four-year contract with the squad. The 49ers 1994 team, the last to win a Super Bowl championship for the 49ers, was considered one of the great offensive teams ever.

Perhaps, since Mike Martz has been fired, Shanahan can be slotted in as an offensive coordinator, but that is doubtful. Shanahan also has three more years on his Denver contract, which he will happily collect.