Mike Shanahan Firing: Correct Decision For Denver Broncos' Organization?

Was the firing of Mike Shanahan the right thing to do at this time for the Denver Broncos' franchise? 

Many believe that it was the right decision. I am personally shocked that he was let go. He had such an excellent relationship with the owner, Pat Bowlen. 

However, The Broncos have not been back to the playoffs since going to the AFC Championship in 2005 with Jake Plummer at quarterback.  There are several reasons for mentioning a few.

First, the Denver Broncos have had a new defensive coordinator the last three years; why did they not keep one of the defensive coordinators in order to get a defense established?

I realize that Jim Bates stepped down after the 2007-2008 season.  Players have a very difficult time learning a new defensive system every year.  With Mike Shanahan being the GM of football operations at Denver during this term, does this fall on his shoulders as well?

Secondly, the Denver Broncos have suffered so many injuries in the past three years as well. 

For example, the Broncos lost seven running backs to injured reserve this year and several other key players such as Champ Bailey and Boss Bailey. Could this be as a result of bad conditioning of the players? 

I highly doubt it, but at least it is worth mentioning.  For the Broncos to lose as many players to injuries as they did particularly this year and to still almost win the division, to me, that means Mike Shanahan did a pretty good job of coaching this year.

Thirdly, the Denver Broncos are a very young team in which the rookies stepped up big this year despite all the injuries. 

If the rookies would not have stepped up as much as they did, the Broncos could easily have been 3—and—13 this year instead.  I also wanted to mention the excellent progress that Jay Cutler has shown this year.  I look forward to seeing him in the future and years to come.  Remember how long it took John Elway to get the Broncos to their first Superbowl Victory?

I realize that there may be more reasons for the Broncos' failure the last three years, but I just wanted to mention the ones that I felt were most important.

What approach should the Denver Broncos take in hiring a new GM of football operations and a Head Coach. 

With the current situation of the Denver Bronco program, I feel that the best candidate at this point would be Bill Cowher, based on his defensive presence and expertise.  However, the New York Jets are currently looking at him as well.  Also, would Bill be interested in coming west?

Finally, I feel that the Denver Broncos organization should have done the following: 

1. Replaced Shanahan with someone like Bill Parcells as GM of football operations

2. Retained Shanahan as head coach for at least one year

3. Utilized the same defensive coordinator to build consistency in the defensive program (players are familiar with the plays)

4. Used the draft to fill the defensive positions of tackle, defensive end, and nose guard (ex. look at Ryan Clady's performance as a 12th draft pick?)

 

In short , if the Broncos can get their defense to an average defense this team is going to be tough to beat.

Good luck Coach Shanahan, we are going to miss you in Denver. I feel that the Broncos made a huge mistake in getting rid of you.