That was the sentiment in the air Saturday at Broncos training camp, as Shanahan, who coached the team to two Super Bowl championships in the 1990s, attended as a special guest.
It was his first visit to the team’s main facility since 2008, when the Broncos fired him after 14 seasons.
ESPN reported Broncos general manager John Elway — who quarterbacked those two Shanahan-led championship teams — head coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello helped extend the invite.
“I was glad to have Mike here,” Fangio said (via The Athletic). “Invited him out, wanted him to come. I invited him for the spring work and schedules never matched up, but I was glad he was here. I think it’s good he’s here. Mike has a big part in the rich history of this franchise and he’s welcome to come here anytime he wants.”
Shanahan, the winningest coach in Broncos history with a 138-86 regular season record, had been looking forward to the visit.
“As soon as Vic got the job, he asked me to come out, and of course John did the same thing,” Shanahan told 9 News in Denver before his visit. “It’s been 11 years, and I actually haven’t been to the new facility yet.”
