Shanahan: Sky hasn’t fallen in Denver yet

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005 | 8:51 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

DENVER -- Mike Shanahan has a much different vision of the Denver Broncos than most people who watched his team this season.

The coach believes the Broncos are close to being among the NFL elite. He believes Jake Plummer is an excellent quarterback. And he doesn't believe his power within the team is as all-encompassing as many people might think.

Add it all up and it's logical not to expect many drastic changes in 2005 -- either on the roster or in the hierarchy -- from a team that has finished the last two seasons in identical fashion, with 10-7 records and blowout losses to Indianapolis in the first round of the playoffs.

"I think we were there this year," Shanahan said during a 55-minute news conference to recap the season. "You don't finish fourth on defense and fifth on offense without being pretty good."

Bates, 58, interviewed for the full-time coaching job after the season, but the Dolphins instead hired former LSU coach Nick Saban.

In other Dolphins news, the team's stadium will go back to the name it went by while under construction in 1987: Dolphins Stadium.

Owner Wayne Huizenga had no success in finding a new naming-rights sponsor since Pro Player was bought out five years ago. The sports apparel company had signed a 10-year, $20 million deal with the Dolphins in 1996.

Plans are in the works to expand the facility and possibly add a permanent or retractable roof, Huizenga said Monday.

"I think the organization knows how I feel. I think I've made that known that I want to be here and I want a long-term contract," the Pro Bowl quarterback said after the Chargers held their final team meeting.

"So really now, it kind of falls in their court. It's up to them to decide what they want to do."

Heimerdinger has been in charge of the Titans' offense for five years, leading Tennessee to several franchise superlatives and helping Steve McNair win a share of the MVP award last season.

Lewis was the defensive coordinator of the Steelers for the final four seasons of a nine-year stint with Pittsburgh before Giants coach Tom Coughlin hired him a year ago.

The league is looking into the star receiver's antics in Minnesota's 31-17 win over the Packers and will announce its ruling later this week.

When asked whether the oft-fined Moss would be penalized again, a league spokesman recited NFL rules mandating discipline for "obscene gestures or other actions construed as being in poor taste."

Temple quarterback Walter Washington, Utah receiver Steve Savoy and Mississippi center Chris Spencer also will leave school early to enter the NFL draft.

Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler said he will return for his senior season.