A few people have ask me what my take is on the whole Mike Shanahan firing. Of course, my initial reaction was one of shock and awe because I seriously thought he was Bowlen’s “Coach for Life”…but this just proves that nothing is really forever (except maybe diamonds?).

I refrained from posting right when it happened because I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about letting Shanny go. On the one hand, the man simply has not gotten the job done in the past few years. He has had some terribledrafts in the past and has only made one serious playoff run since Elway left (that loss to the Steelers a few years ago still hurts!). On the other hand, is there a better coach out there right now? Can we really replace The Mastermind with something better? And the last two draft classes have been fantastic.

After some reflection I think the time was right for a change. Is there a better coach out there? Probably not. Is there a better GM/Coaching combination? Absolutely! I think this firing was all about Shanny as GM, not Shanny as Coach. He had taken off more than he could chew (can anyone do both jobs effectively?). And it was becoming obvious that the time had come for a change…hopefully the change will be for the better.

If there was anything outside of the GM role that got Shanny in hot water it just might have been the terrible defense the Broncos have put together since…well…the Superbowl years (and even that defense was just above average). Shanny was an offensive genius that I think we will miss. But he proved that offense alone does NOT get it done…you need at least a passable defense.

So what’s next?

For Shanny, I wish him the best of luck as long as he coaches outside of the AFC West (and preferably the AFC altogether). My guess is that he is back coaching soon…he will have his pick. Maybe he even heads to the college ranks as has so often been rumored lately? My nightmare scenario? Dungy retires and Shanny takes the helm in Indy. Shudder to think it!

For the Broncos, I am putting my money on Steve Spagnuolo. I highly doubt we will be getting a head coach with experience (i.e. Cowher) and I would bet the ranch that the next coach s defensively minded. Keep the offense in Bates’ hands and let the new guy focus on building a tough defense…that’s what I’m talking about!

I have one dark-horse pick for the job that would be both ironic and intriguing. I haven’t heard his name mentioned yet so it’s probably not likely, but how about Marty Shottenheimer? You know how the old saying goes…if you can’t bet ‘em join ‘em. Now that would be irony of irony (and he would be motivated to beat my much hated Chargers!).

One thing is for sure…my predictions don’t mean a thing. Only one guy’s opinion matters and that’s Mr. Bowlen. But it can’t get much worse than we’ve had it the past few years…can it??