Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 1, 1995 TAG: 9502010068
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DENVER LENGTH: Medium
Shanahan, who emerged as the hottest coaching prospect in the league during the 49ers' Super Bowl drive, arrived in Denver by private jet late Tuesday afternoon and was promptly whisked to Broncos headquarters. He spent three hours talking with team owner Pat Bowlen, during which an agreement was reached.
Broncos spokesman Jim Saccomano said a press conference was scheduled ``within the hour'' to make the official announcement and introduce Shanahan to the media.
At the time of Shanahan's arrival, neither Bowlen nor Shanahan would comment about their talks. On Monday, Bowlen said his two-hour discussion with Shanahan after the Super Bowl convinced him that ``Mike definitely wants to be the head coach here. I'm certainly not taking anything for granted, but I think things are moving in a very positive direction.''
Shanahan, meanwhile, acknowledged that Denver was his top choice. ``I think the world of Denver,'' he said. ``It's a great opportunity. But at the same time, is it done? No, it is not.''
Bowlen reportedly offered Shanahan a five-year, $6 million contract.
Shanahan, 42, had other options. He talked with the Philadelphia Eagles about their vacant coaching position and the 49ers reportedly were prepared to make a hefty financial offer to keep him.
According to San Francisco coach George Seifert, Shanahan, who currently is the NFL's highest-paid assistant at $425,000 a year, had promised to speak with the 49ers before making a decision.
It was reported in San Francisco that the 49ers' offer might include the promise that Shanahan would become that team's coach in three years, at which time Seifert, now 55, would move into the front office.
Two years ago, Bowlen tried to hire Shanahan after Dan Reeves was fired. When the pair couldn't agree to terms, Bowlen settled on Wade Phillips. Phillips was fired Dec. 29 after a 16-17 record in two seasons.
Shanahan's first pro coaching experience came with the Broncos. He had two stints totalling seven seasons from 1984-87 and 1989-91, mostly as offensive coordinator. In between, he went 8-12 as coach of the Los Angeles Raiders before being fired four games into his second season.
Shanahan was fired by Reeves after the 1991 season when Reeves accused him of conspiring with John Elway to make game-plan changes.
In Shanahan's three seasons in San Francisco, the 49ers had the NFL's most productive offense in 1992 and 1993 and finished second in 1994, just 18 yards behind Miami.
by CNB