Mike Shanahan was known as a genius, a mastermind, a two time Super Bowl champion. 2008 was the third consecutive year in which Denver didn't make the playoffs .
His team had only one postseason victory since John Elway retired in 1999. He finished with a record of 146-91 over 14 seasons. Though Shanahan is a very good coach a changed was needed and made Dec. 30 2008.
Who was going to replace this HOF coach? Enter Josh McDaniel, a 32 year old who graduated from my old high school, Canton McKinley.
I have followed him since the day he was hired as the Denver coach on January 12, 2009 .
People questioned the move by Pat Bowlen, the Denver owner. Josh had no experience as a head coach.
From the get go, Josh came in to change the culture of the Denver Broncos. There would be no prema donas. Every one would be expected to carry their load. This did not set well with their QB Jay Cutler. Their all pro quarter back ended up getting traded.
The talk was on that McDaniels had lost control. To make matters worse, Brandon Marshall, their other all pro receiver, demanded a trade which was refused and then was disciplined for conduct that was detrimental to the team.
Pre-season football experts were predicting Denver to finish in bottom of their division.
Before a game was played, the thought was Josh McDaniel will either be remembered as a bold, brilliant leader who won because he had the courage to stick to his convictions or as an abject failure whose hiring set the franchise back by years because he had the courage to stick to his convictions.
Yesterday, the Broncos beat the Cowboys to go 4 –0.
The culture has changed in Denver.
That is what leadership is all about.
Don’t like what’s happening where you are leading? Change the culture .
