Broncos made a mistake.
“Wow, you Denver folks are an arrogant bunch, huh? The one thing about your NFL team that virtually everyone envied, you have done away with. Let me remind you: John Elway wasn’t a champion until Mike Shanahan got there. The past 14 seasons you had a team no one would dare overlook. You’ve had the “it” factor. Well, “it” is now about to be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Jets.”
John, Nashville, Tenn.
Kiz: Win one playoff game in 10 years, and this is how you spell it: g-o-n-e.
Good coach, bad GM.
“Shanahan was a great offensive coach, but not a great coach for the franchise. He walked in at the right time with the right people in place. Pee-wee Herman could’ve won those two Super Bowl rings instead of Shanahan. I’m sorry it took Pat Bowlen two years too long to figure out it was time to fire Shanahan.”
Jim, Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Kiz: Shanahan did deserve to be coach for life. Trouble was you wouldn’t want him as your general manager for more than 15 minutes.
Hey, James, get a clue.
“Nice job, Kiszla. You got your wish. Congratulations on your role in bringing change to the Broncos. Now, if only we could get you canned for being a tired critic.”
James, kickin’ Kiz
Kiz: Yep, I got Shanny fired, same as I’m responsible for the Broncos winning their championships. I invented the Internet, too. And, if you believe that, mail me $50,000 for the Super Bowl rings the Broncos awarded me in appreciation for all I do.
Revenge: Shanny to Chargers.
“Doesn’t San Diego make a perfect fit for Shanahan? After the Chargers lose in the playoffs, and if Norv Turner is fired, Shanny would be a viable replacement. He would inherit a good quarterback, a great running back and have the possibility of getting revenge on the Broncos in the AFC West twice a year.”
Randall, Thornton
Kiz: Shanahan would be bigger in San Diego than Shamu. Not to say the coach is desperate to find a new job, but here’s betting his wife has a lengthy honey-do list for that mansion they’re building. Can you see Shanny with a saw in his hands? Me neither.
Monforts take Bowlen’s lead.
“If Bowlen can fire Shanahan, why not the Monfort brothers? It’s time for Rockies manager Clint Hurdle and general manager Dan O’Dowd to follow Shanahan to “other opportunities. ”
Ed, Denver
Kiz: With Rockies fans restless and no choice for the Nuggets except to make a long playoff run, the Avs’ Tony Granato could soon be the longest-tenured coach in town.
No love for Avs.
“Like the car wreck at which one is compelled to glance, I read another one of your hockey columns, which was essentially the same theme of spun facts and left-handed compliments. Despite unforeseeable injuries to high-profile players, the Avs persevered in a game against defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit. Your commentary about a roster full of NHL players who stepped up without fanfare as ‘short on talent . . . plenty of spunk’ is unique considering the victory in which the talent was clearly displayed. And you try to belittle the accomplishment by commenting there were Red Wings fans in the arena to make it sound as if the game did not really count for sold-out status.”
Claudia, Boulder
Kiz: Gotta love the Avs’ heart. All I’m saying is: If you think Tyler Arnason is leading a Stanley Cup run, take two sleeping pills and call me when that dream’s over.
Parting Shot
No. 7, please come back
And today’s parting shot is a wish for No. 7 to come back and bail the Broncos out of trouble as their general manager, despite doubters like myself who argue throwing a touchdown pass and drafting a defensive end are two entirely different skills.
“I don’t see why you don’t like Elway as a front-office executive for the Broncos. He understands much by owning the Crush. Bowlen is an astute businessman who recognizes talent. If Elway has some that would benefit the organization, you know he would be asked to step in.”
Dennis, a Jersey boy
