After 21 years, two Super Bowl wins, the Denver Broncos fired head coach Mike Shanahan, Tuesday.  The decisonon was made by team owner Pat Bowlen who has supported Shanahan for many years.

“I appreciate the 21 years that Mike Shanahan has given to the organization as an assistant and head coach, and the two Super Bowl wins in that time,” Bowlen said. “His contributions hold a special place in Broncos history.”

The Broncos ended this season with an 8-8 record after losing to a lopsided game against San Diego last Sunday night. They also squandered a 3 game lead in the AFC West and missed a shot at the playoffs.  He was also fired as Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Broncos.

The move stunned players, owners and other coaches in the NFL.  He had the second longest tenure behind Titan’s Jeff Fisher.  He is 15th overall on the NFL’s all-time list of coaching wins with a 146-91 record with the Broncos