Shanahan Should Step Down As E.V.P.by jjflr
January 2008
Where do the Broncos go from here? After failing to make the playoffs for the 5th time in the 9 years since John Elway’s retirement, are Mike Shanahan and Pat Bowlen living in the past?
Pat Bowlen, owner of the Broncos, seems to feel Mike Shanahan is his coach-for-life and has stated such. Bowlen said in 2002, “I want Mike to be coach of this franchise for as long as he wants to coach ……… as long as Mike wants to be the head coach here in Denver, he’ll be the head coach here in Denver.” (
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...09/ai_n9999648)
Bowlen’s support for his coach continues today but is Mike Shanahan ‘still’ the right guy for the Broncos in his current roles?
Pat Bowlen purchased the Broncos in 1984, at a time when the organization was in disarray and near bankruptcy. Over that time, the Broncos have been one of the most successful franchises, appearing in 5 Super Bowls, winning 2 of them. However, all of the SB appearances took place while John Elway was under center in the 80’s and 90’s.
Since Elway’s retirement, the organization in the Mile High City has had much less success. There has been a carousel of quarterbacks floundering and subsequently being ousted, no consistency at running back, complete overhauls of the defense every couple of years, steroid accusations, injury report infractions, salary cap issues, and numerous player/coach problems.
During the Post-Elway period, Mike Shanahan added the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations to his titles, while also expanding his business interests outside of the NFL. Shanahan is following in the footsteps of many NFL coaches who have willingly added front office roles to their list of responsibilities. Unfortunately, there are very few success stories among these courageous souls.
Shanahan built his reputation as a fantastic X’s and O’s guy. He was, for many years, regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game. This team has not put fear into the hearts of opposing defenses for many years.
The solution to the Broncos woes are simple. Shanahan should step down from his executive duties and let the people who ‘do it best’ handle it. Shanahan can then get back to doing what HE does best ……. X’s and O’s. He can focus on game-planning, coaching, play calling, and building chemistry and relationships on the team.
Whether Shanahan will come to this realization on his own is highly doubtful. Egos at this level are usually large blockades. However, Bowlen may eventually feel enough pressure from inside and outside the organization to finally sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with his soul mate about doing what’s best for the team. The question is, how long will it take?
