Ex-head coach Mike Shanahan elected to Broncos Ring of Fame

It may take an extra year in the making, but the wait for the name “Mike Shanahan” to grace the façade at Mile High is over.

The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday that two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Shanahan will be the lone member of the 2020 Ring of Fame class — although plans for his enshrinement have been set for 2021.

In a statement to the media, Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis said:

Mike Shanahan is the greatest coach in Denver Broncos history and among the winningest coaches of all-time. He brought an unmatched standard and intensity as head coach, leading this franchise to its first two Super Bowl wins and building the Broncos into perennial contenders. Few coaches have had more of an impact with one organization — as both a head coach and assistant — than Mike Shanahan over the course of his two decades with the Broncos.

We are thrilled that Mike has now been elected to the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. Although postponing his induction was a difficult decision, he deserves a full celebration in front of all of our fans and distinguished alumni. Along with our fans, we can’t wait to honor coach Shanahan during our Ring of Fame and alumni weekend in 2021.

During his 14-year tenure at the helm of the Broncos, Shanahan posted 138 regular-season wins and eight postseason victories, both franchise records, while leading the franchise to its first two Super Bowl championships in 1997 and 1998 (Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII). Those teams also featured five Pro Football Hall of Famers: safety Steve Atwater, running Terrell Davis, quarterback John Elway, tight end Shannon Sharpe and tackle Gary Zimmerman.

Shanahan’s 178 total victories (170 regular season and eight postseason that include stretches with Los Angeles from 1988-’89 and Washington from 2010-‘13) are tied for 14th in pro football history.

Joining Dan Reeves (2014) and Red Miller (2017), Shanahan becomes the third head coach to grace the façade at Empower Field at Mile High.