The Burrall Blog – So Long, Shanny

3:58 PM MST

Mike Shanahan has been fired as the Broncos’ Head Coach and chief of football operations.

Frankly, I’m surprised, given that owner Pat Bowlen had stuck with Shanahan through some years where Bronco teams had underachieved.  But, it’s the best move the Broncos could make.  The team has become stagnant, with playoff misses three straight years, including an inconceivable loss of a 3-game lead with 3 games to go this season.

As stated in an earlier entry, Bowlen shouldn’t stop here.  The defense is in need of being completely rebuilt, especially an awful secondary (with the exception of a healthy Champ Bailey).  There must be a new kicker.  By the way, what was suddenly wrong with Jason Elam after last season?  The answer, of course, is nothing, as Elam has had a good season with the playoff-bound Falcons.  And, another quarterback wouldn’t hurt if Jay Cutler keeps making such poor decisions at crucial times of games.

Mike Shanahan did the Broncos proud, including back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 90′s.  But the current Broncos are nowhere close to that level.  This change was necessary.  So are others if the Broncos want to be a serious Super Bowl contender again.