Some fear other NFL teams that have rid themselves of coaches with losing records in the past week will fall all over themselves to get a shot at Shanahan.

Nevertheless, Broncos fans in LoDo weren't shy about sharing their thoughts about a move some never believed would happen, and that some felt was overdue - especially after they were eliminated on Sunday from playoff contention.

George D'Amico, 46, Arvada

"The only thing I'm surprised about is that there actually was not a lot of talk of letting him go. I think it's time for some new blood, and they really have had their challenges. They had three games to lock this down (to win the division), and they didn't."

Ben Clarke, 27, Denver

"I was shocked because Shanahan is the face of the Broncos. You lose that face of the franchise more so than any other player since (John) Elway. He was an awful general manager but a great coach. His poor draft picks and poor signings hurt his ability to be a good coach the last several years. It was definitely time for a change."

J.D. Easton, 35, Denver

"I said to myself on Sunday after the game, 'It's time for a change.' I love Mike Shanahan, but he had his chance, and he had a lot of talent, and we've gone nowhere but backward. I think it's time for a change, and I hope we go with a defensive-minded coach."

Nate Rockitter, 56, Denver

"It's about time, and I'm not a Broncos fan, either. It's not that he's not a good coach, but he's not what people make him out to be. He was overrated. He can't take a dysfunctional team and make them better. The defense has been horrible and you can't keep firing defensive coordinators. You can't keep doing that. You got to take some responsibility."

Eric Englebrecht, 34, Denver

"I think they must have had someone in the works to fire someone like Shanahan. I certainly think it was warr- anted. I think the team had grown complacent, and a shift needed to happen. He had horrible draft picks, and how many draft picks are you going to waste on defensive ends?"

Biniam Adane, 24, Denver

"I'm surprised. I thought the owner really trusted him. I thought there was a strong relationship between Shanahan and the owner. . . . I think they'll be better off, and the main reason is that Shanahan tries to win the Super Bowl every year. There are too many different personnels every year. He needed to take his time and build the team from the ground up."

Benjamin Locke, 23, Denver

"I thought it's abhorrent. I disagree with it. Shanahan built an awesome team. I thought he made great trades. (Champ) Bailey for (Clinton) Portis. Everyone said that was a great trade. . . . It's not Shanahan's fault we had seven running backs injured this year. Another team is going to snatch him up really quick."

Katie Milosovich, 28, Denver

"I think, initially, I was shocked, but at the same time, I thought it was coming. My only worry is that there are quite a few coaching positions open right now, and it might limit our pick. I don't know if they had somebody in mind."

Michael Sasarak, 27, Cleveland

"I was completely shocked. Denver gave up such a great coach. You don't know what you've got until you're gone. You guys are (are in trouble)."

Cindy Heiss, 45, Denver

"I was a little surprised because Shanahan has been associated so long with the Broncos. But then I kind of wasn't surprised because there have been a lot of firings of coaches. . . . I would like to see , someone upbeat and positive. I'm a sports fan from a girl's perspective, and I think we need someone who would really excite everyone. I miss the old Denver Broncos . It just hasn't been the same."