Based on the way the Denver Broncos started the season, no one would've expected that the unit would need a lot of change heading into the next season. Throughout the second half of the season, things changed. The Broncos fired defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, who was nearly speechless after hearing of the decision.

"I have the highest regard for him (Mike Shanahan) and have no choice but to accept his decision and do so with as much dignity and grace as I can muster," said Coyer in a typed statement.

The Broncos finished the season losing five of their final seven games. To begin the season, the defense went through a stretch in which they did not allow a touchdown for 11 straight quarters. Unfortunately, over the team's final seven games, they gave up an average of 27.7 points.

"Make no mistake, I was very aware that some hard changes had to be made in several areas. ... I made my concerns known as it pertained to the defense," Coyer said. "Did we always coach and play to our best ability? No! No one does. ... There is always room to do better."

The Broncos didn't stop with Coyer. Shortly after his firing, the Broncos fired defensive line coach Andre Patterson. Patterson had been with the team for two seasons after coming over and recruiting almost the entire Cleveland Browns former defensive line.

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