Here’s the statement:

“The Air Force Academy has tremendous General officers and staff members who are remarkably dedicated to the development of our cadets. It’s inspiring that an 18 year old kid makes a commitment to embed the necessary character traits to grow into a fine young man or woman who honorably serves for at least five years. Our coaching staff and our families are proud to be a part of the daily lives of our nation’s future officers. We certainly look forward to seeing our seniors graduate in May along with coaching the Falcons in 2011 and beyond.”

Many in the Denver media listed Calhoun as a likely replacement, given his history with the Broncos under former head coach Mike Shanahan. But Calhoun’s comfortable at Air Force and he’s done a tremendous job with that program. Truthfully, Calhoun might be a bit too pious to aptly fill the Broncos’s coaching vacancy. A bigger name is needed to restore both the club’s integrity and its relevance in the community.

Calhoun did team owner Pat Bowlen a favor–by removing his name from the list, Bowlen can look for bigger fish. Think Cowher or Gruden, for instance. Those guys have names and reputations that will reinvigorate the team’s fan base and bring excitement back to Dove Valley (and hopefully to Invesco Field at Mile High on any given Sunday).

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