Posted Tue Mar 18th by Jonathan Douglas
I think we’re in for an interesting season in ‘08. A season we might entitle: MIKE’S BIG SHOW. Cause in my opinion, the outcome of this season is going to have a major influence on the future of my favorite Broncos coach, Mike Shanahan.
Yes, the news has been full of talk about his firing of Ted Sundquist. But I’m not just talking about the axing of Sundquist, I’m talking about a broad move this off-season away from strong high-level leaders within the Broncos organization.
Let’s start with the GM position. I know Mr. Bowlen has talked with the media about his support of Shanahan and his powerful oversight of all that Mike does, but my most pressing concern is not that Mike and Ted had a ‘communication problem.’ It’s that Mike has no plans to replace him. Assistants will be taking over parts of the Ted’s job rather than headhunting for a stunningly great new GM to help out the club.
…and I have to ask: Why?
I believe we had to fire Bates after last year, don’t get me wrong. But I do have concerns about not hiring a new defensive coordinator to replace him. Yes, Yes, Shanahan promoted a position coach to help out, but I think we all know that there was no major movement to find a top notch defensive guru outside the club to come in and fix the broken defense Bates left us.
…and I have to ask: Why?
After working with Shanahan only briefly, Dinger ran back to Tennessee. We lost a very competent offensive coordinator because he didn’t feel like he was really allowed to run the offense. That troubles me… but not as much as the fact that we are not looking for a replacement. I don’t know of any plans to go out and score a hot shot offensive-minded coach to bring some fire to our young unit.
…and I have to ask: Why?
Wise men keep good council. But Shanahan has had some major issues finding much good council lately. And it looks like we are heading into a season with no GM, Offensive Coordinator or Defensive Coordinator to speak of. And that mean ’08 is ALL Shanahan.
I love Shanahan to death, but I have deep and troubled feelings about his apparent lack of interest in having high-level, quality (and sometimes differing) opinions from his support staff. I feel like he’s putting himself in a very dangerous position… and I only hope he can pull this off.
Failure will not be taken lightly in Denver this year… and if there is failure in ’08 there won’t be anyone else left to put against the wall.
Published on 03/18/2008 at Tue Mar 18 14:38.
Tagged: Mike Shanahan,Ted Sundquist.