Denver Broncos fire Coach Shanahan

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Denver Coach Mike Shanahan was fired Tuesday, two days after the Broncos missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

The Broncos held a three-game lead in the AFC West with three games to play. But Denver lost its last three games, while the San Diego Chargers won their last three -- including a 52-21 win over Denver -- to claim the division title.

Shanahan, 58, had just completed his 14th season as Broncos head coach. He also was the team's vice president of football operations. He led Denver to Super Bowl titles in 1998 and 1999.

Shanan had a 138-86 record with the Broncos from 1995-2008 and won three division titles. He was 8-5 in seven post-season appearances and had lost four of his last five playoff games.

Shanahan has served in the NFL's coaching ranks since 1984. He was head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1988-89. He had been with the Broncos two previous times, as the quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator from 1984-1987 and as the quarterbacks coach from 1989-91. He also coached with the 49ers from 1992-94 as offensive coordinator.