Mike Shanahan

The Broncos have begun searching for Shanahan's replacement:

Owner Pat Bowlen, chief operating officer Joe Ellis and personnel chief Jim Goodman jetted off to New York on Saturday for a dinner meeting with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, followed by a Sunday conversation with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The trio will return to Denver for interviews at team headquarters next week with Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

I have to imagine that top tier coaching prospects like Spagnuolo, McDaniels and Garrett will have little serious interest in coaching for Bowlen. All else being equal, why choose to work for a guy who has fired Dan Reeves, Wade Phillips and, now, Mike Shanahan.

They may well wind up with Morris. His defensive focus matches their primary need and his relative inexperience may limit his alternatives. If this happens, they will have replaced a super-bowl winning hall of fame head coach with a 32 year old who has yet to even hold co-ordinator responsibilities.