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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Shanahan’s Shenanigans

Compiled From Wire Services

If he is offered a head-coaching job, Mike Shanahan says he wants control - to hire all of his assistants and to have major input on all personnel matters.

Shanahan, offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, is the first choice of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to become Denver’s new head coach. The Philadelphia Eagles also hope to interview Shanahan once the Super Bowl is over.

Shanahan, a former assistant with the Broncos and head coach with the Los Angeles Raiders, said he wants to hire all of his assistant coaches. He wants a “strong say” in personnel decisions, ranging from which free agents are signed to which college players are drafted.

And he wants the final decision on which players are cut from the roster.

If Shanahan is granted most, if not all, of his wishes, he could be announced as the Broncos’ coach early next week.

San Francisco officials have denied they offered to double Shanahan’s $400,000 salary if he would stay, with promises that he would succeed head coach George Seifert when Seifert takes a front-office position.