What's Next for Mike Shanahan and the Broncos?

It was no secret that someone would take the fall for the Denver Broncos' shocking collapse. What was unexpected was that Mike Shanahan would be the one to get the axe. After all, Shannie had become an institution in the Mile High City, compiling 146 wins and two Super Bowl titles in 14 years at Denver -- an almost unheard of tenure in this era of rapid-fire change in pro sports.

But Shanahan has lost some of his genius stature in recent years. The Broncos have been a thoroughly mediocre 24-24 over the past three seasons, culminating with an ugly three-game slide that cost Denver a seemingly sure-thing division title in '08. The Broncos have maintained one of the NFL's most productive offenses, but Shanahan has been unable to find a solution for an atrocious defense that ruined this season and ultimately cost him his job.

The fact that Denver's defense ranked 29th in the league could give a clue as to where owner Pat Bowlen will look for just the franchise's fourth coach since 1981. The top defensive-oriented candidate, Bill Cowher, seems more interested in returning to the NFL on the East Coast, but there are other excellent choices.

Giants assistant Steve Spagnuolo is the hottest assistant at the moment and Bowlen likely would have to enter into a bidding war to secure his services, but he might be worth it. Spagnuolo's unit was the key behind the Giants' shocking Super Bowl upset of the Patriots and there was no let up this year as New York's defense finished fifth in the league.

Another interesting possibility is Eric Mangini, who was just deposed by the Jets after their own late-season meltdown. Mangini perhaps unfairly took the lion's share of the blame for what went wrong in New York. After all, he did lead the Jets to a five-win improvement over 2007. Mangini also might be agreeable to working under a general manager if Bowlen decides to not give his next coach the kind of total control that Shanahan had.

And what about "The Mastermind"? He probably has had his phone ringing constantly with potential suitors feeling him out, whether for a head coaching job, or a front office post, or both.

Since Shanahan's dismissal was unexpected, don't look for him to land a new job soon. He needs time to digest what has happened and to decide if he wants to take some time off or jump right back into the fray. Wherever he goes next, he likely would want the same kind of authority over personnel matters that he enjoyed in Denver. That kind of opportunity might not become available this offseason, but it won't be too long before Shanahan is back on the scene.

Look for Shanahan to take 2009 off and wait for the right job to open up for the '10 season. San Diego could be a good fit if the Chargers struggle next year and clean house. There's a power void in the Jacksonville front office and, if Shannie wants to get right back in the game, he could take over the Jaguars sooner rather than later.

One thing is certain -- Shanahan won't be joining the Raiders organization any time soon. At least not until Al Davis pays him the $250,000 that he claims he's still owed (according to ESPN.com) from his last stint with the Silver-and-Black ...

Associated Press, "Broncos fire Shanahan after 14 seasons as head coach", ESPN.com