After traveling to meet with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels over the weekend, Bowlen met with Bucs defensive coordinator Raheem Morris on Monday.

The 32-year-old Morris was Tampa Bay's secondary coach, but is slate to replace departed Monte Kiffin.

Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and former Shanahan assistant Rick Dennison are scheduled to meet with Bowlen on Tuesday.

Bowlen said he'll search for a new general manager after hiring the coach.

Shanahan, the author of two Super Bowl wins, oversaw everything in the organization. He was the head coach and executive vice president of football operations, which gave him final say on all personnel decisions. After 14 seasons with Shanahan, the Broncos organization will undergo a radical change this offseason.

"After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos," Bowlen said in a statement. "This is certainly a difficult decision, but one that I feel must be made and which will ultimately be in the best interests of all concerned.

"I appreciate the 21 years that Mike Shanahan has given to the organization as an assistant and head coach, and the two Super Bowl wins in that time. His contributions hold a special place in Broncos history."

Shanahan had only one playoff win in the 10 seasons following John Elway's retirement, although Elway's last win was also Denver's second Super Bowl victory. After the Super Bowl wins, Bowlen backed Shanahan despite some criticism. In April 2007, Bowlen gave Shanahan a three-year contract, which ran through 2011.

A third consecutive season without a playoff berth was the final straw for Shanahan in Denver. The Broncos blew a three-game lead with three to go and lost 52-21 at San Diego in the season finale, giving the Chargers the AFC West championship.

The Broncos had an excuse for the collapse, considering 16 players -- including seven tailbacks -- were lost for the season because of injury. Denver finished 8-8, and the players couldn't believe that Shanahan was let go.

"That's shocking, man," running back Tatum Bell said. "I can't believe it. You think of the Broncos you think of Shanahan or Elway. I'm speechless right now."