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Denver Broncos: Who is most deserving Hall of Fame candidate now?

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Mike Shanahan
DENVER – SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos leads his team against the San Diego Chargers during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 14, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 39-38. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

3. Mike Shanahan

Mike Shanahan is the best coach in team history by a country mile. He guided the team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins and is still one of the better offensive minds the NFL has ever known.

But he wasn’t just the best coach in Broncos history, he was one of the better coaches in league history. He currently sits in a tie at No. 13 for the most wins by a head coach in league history with 170.

Six of the head coaches ahead of him on the list are in the Hall of Fame and one of the others is Bill Belichick, a lock to get into Canton at some point.

Shanahan’s resume might be a bit more debatable, as he also had 138 losses and just an 8-6 postseason record. His stint in Washington was also quite forgettable and as a personnel guy, he left a lot to be desired.

His detractors would point to those things.

But from an X’s and O’s standpoint, he was a mastermind. He was a great game planner and always seemed to have the right call at the right time. His offensive system, particularly the rushing attack he employed, made a star out of guys like Terrell Davis.

But Shanahan also ran a balanced system. During his 14 years in Denver as the team’s head coach, the Broncos had more 1,000-yard rushers and 1,000-yard receivers than any team in the league.

But of all the statistics and accomplishments, here’s the statement that can’t be overlooked.

Six head coaches have won back-to-back Super Bowls. Five of those are Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Chuck Noll, Jimmy Johnson and Belichick. Four of those guys are in the Hall of Fame and the other is a guarantee to get there.

The sixth guy is Shanahan. He can’t be ignored for a spot.

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