It was a dignified but needed exit.

"You get judged by performance. I didn't get the job done," Shanahan said during an emotional press conference.

"This is a very difficult day for me," teary-eyed Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said of letting his friend go. "I think it was time for the organization to move on and for Mike to move on."

It was time, and Bowlen should be commended for making the gut-wrenching decision. But there's no joy in the Mile High City over it.

Shanahan has been involved with the Broncos organization - and played an integral role in its many successes - for 21 years. It's never easy to say goodbye. But over the past 10 years, since the retirement of Hall of Famer John Elway, the team has won only one playoff game and has a mediocre overall record.

Bowlen wants to win another Super Bowl as much as the crazed fans who sell out Mile High year after year. Shanahan deservedly called him the best owner in professional sports.

That desire, and his willingness to put his money where his mouth is, should make it easier for Bowlen to hire a top-notch coach and general manager.

The fact that Shanahan could stand at the same podium Wednesday with Bowlen speaks volumes not only about their relationship but of the quality of the Broncos organization.

Bronco fans are lucky to have someone like Bowlen at the helm.

We offer one final "Mile High salute" to Shanahan for his 14 years as coach and the two Super Bowl championships he helped win, and we wish him well in his new endeavors.

As long as it's not with the Chiefs.

Or Chargers.