ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The winningest coach in Broncos history is now part of the franchise's most elite group.
Former head coach Mike Shanahan has been elected to the team's Ring of Fame, the team announced Tuesday.
Shanahan, who guided the Broncos to their first two Super Bowl titles, is the franchise's 34th Ring of Famer. He will be enshrined in the Ring of Fame in 2021.
"Mike Shanahan is the greatest coach in Denver Broncos history and among the winningest coaches of all-time," President and CEO Joe Ellis said. "He brought an unmatched standard and intensity as head coach, leading this franchise to its first two Super Bowl wins and building the Broncos into perennial contenders. Few coaches have had more of an impact with one organization — as both a head coach and assistant — than Mike Shanahan over the course of his two decades with the Broncos.
"We are thrilled that Mike has now been elected to the Broncos' Ring of Fame. Although postponing his induction was a difficult decision, he deserves a full celebration in front of all of our fans and distinguished alumni. Along with our fans, we can't wait to honor Coach Shanahan during our Ring of Fame and alumni weekend in 2021."
One of 13 coaches in NFL history with at least two Super Bowl wins, Shanahan holds the Broncos' franchise records for total wins (146), regular-season wins (138), playoff wins (8) and Super Bowl wins (2). He ranks fourth in franchise history in win percentage, with a 146-91 (.616) career winning percentage.
Shanahan, who is the longest-tenured head coach in Broncos history, joins Dan Reeves and Red Miller as former Broncos coaches in the team's Ring of Fame.
Known for his run-heavy West Coast offense, Shanahan took the Broncos' head coaching job in 1995 after two previous stints with the team as an assistant. A former quarterback at Eastern Illinois, Shanahan transfered to the coaching ranks after he suffered a serious injury in 1972. Shanahan spent nine years in the collegiate ranks before joining the Broncos as the team's wide receivers coach in 1984. Shanahan quickly became Reeves' offensive coordinator, and he worked with former quarterback John Elway from 1985-87.
Look back through the coaching career of the Broncos' all-time winningest coach — new Ring of Famer Mike Shanahan.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos in 1990. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre.
Coach Mike Shanahan signs autographs for fans at 1995 training camp.
A portrait of Mike Shanahan in 1995
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan talks to quarterback John Elway during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in Denver Sunday night, Sept. 3, 1995. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 1995. The Broncos beat the Raiders 31-28. Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) shakes hands with head coach Mike Shanahan. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Coach Mike Shanahan rides in a cart at the June 9, 1997 Mike Shanahan Golf Classic.
John Denver and Mike Shanahan during the Special Olympics Dinner on April 26, 1997 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Michael Martin
Mike Shanahan during the Special Olympics Dinner on April 26, 1997 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Michael Martin
Mike Shanahan, with Gary Kubiak behind him, checks the play clock during a game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Mike Shanahan looks up to the big screen to watch an instant replay against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
John Elway talks with Mike Shanahan on the sideline during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome in Seattle, WA on September 7, 1997.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos talks with coach Pete Carroll of the New England Patriots in August 1997. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan look on during an August 4, 1997 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in Mexico City.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway (7) and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak watch from the during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
John Elway and Mike Shanahan discuss strategy in the locker room after a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan yells directions during the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Head coach Mike Shanahan speaks with his players in the locker room after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan addresses the team in the locker room after the Broncos won their divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Denver Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski douses coach Mike Shanahan after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21 to win the AFC Championship Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Owner Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan pose with the AFC Championship trophy after the Broncos' victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Mike Shanahan holds up the AFC Championship trophy and says, "This is not the one we want," after the Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos poses with players and staff on photo day at Super Bowl XXXII January 20, 1998 in San Diego, California. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Head Coach Mike Shanahan shakes the hand of Shannon Sharpe during pregame warmups before Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers on January 25, 1998.
Mike Shanahan addresses his team in the locker room during his post-game speech after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan takes the Vince Lombardi Trophy from owner Pat Bowlen in the locker room during post-game celebrations after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
John Elway receives post-game congratulations in the locker room from coach Mike Shanahan after winning Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Mike Shanahan waves to the crowd of fans during the team's Super Bowl XXXII championship parade.
Head coach Mike Shanahan during the championship parade rally, the day after returning from the Super Bowl.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the crowd during the Super Bowl XXXII championship parade and rally.
Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan poses for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy.
Mike Shanahan watches the action from the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 8, 1998.
Head coach Mike Shanahan congratulates his quarterback John Elway during a game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gives a game ball to John Elway after the Broncos won their first playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Mike Shanahan, Gary Kubiak and John Elway discuss strategy along the sidelines during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 13, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gives a postgame speech after a Broncos win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Mike Shanahan gets a victory hug from Keith Burns after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and the sideline react to a scoring play during the Broncos' 34-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
John Elway gets a hug from Mike Shanahan after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, right, and Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves, left, meet at midfield at the end of Super Bowl XXXIII, in Miami Sunday Jan. 31, 1999. The two had worked together on the Broncos' coaching staff in the '80s. (AP Photo/John Gaps III)
Mike Shanahan receives the Lombardi Trophy from Terry Bradshaw after winning Super Bowl III against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
John Elway and Mike Shanahan celebrate their second straight Super Bowl title after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' Super Bowl XXXIII victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, left, joins head coach Mike Shanahan at a news conference Monday, Feb. 1, 1999, in a downtown Miami hotel in holding the Super Bowl MVP trophy that Elway earned with his performance in leading the Broncos to their second straight title by winning Super Bowl XXXIII over the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
An estimated 350,000 fans turned out in downtown Denver and then on to city hall to catch a glimpse of their back-to-back world champion Broncos. Mike Shanahan gets a chant started of "one more year, one more year ..."
Mike Shanahan and Jack Elway watch the players participate in the Broncos' minicamp held at the Broncos' training facility in Englewood, CO.
Mike Shanahan and Terrell Davis talk before the start of their season opener against the St. Louis Rams against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Mike Shanahan heads into the locker room prior to the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Mike Shanahan and Brian Griese talk before the start of their season opener against the St. Louis Rams against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Mike Shanahan shakes hands with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden after the game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 17, 2000.
Mike Shanahan watches the action from the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on October 8, 2000.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' victory over the Falcons against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
Mike Shanahan addresses his players following the Broncos' victory against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the media at the Broncos' training camp held in Greeley, CO.
Mike Shanahan gives his postgame speech following the Broncos' victory against the New Orleans Saints at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 25, 2001.
Mike Shanahan chats with Bill Belichick following the game against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Following the 2002 NFL Draft, second-round pick Clinton Portis sits down to talk with Mike Shanahan.
Various players, coaches, alumni and local celebrities came out the Inverness Golf Course in Englewood, CO. to take part in the annual Mike Shanahan Golf Classic.
Mike Shanahan chats with Terrell Davis along the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 19, 2002.
Steve Atwater greets Mike Shanahan along the sidelines against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
Mike Shanahan gives instructions to Jason Elam during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
Mike Shanahan gives his players a hug in the final seconds of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Mike Shanahan chats with Tony Dungy before the start of a Broncos game against the Indianapolis Colts at RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN on January 4, 2004.
Mike Shanahan made a visit to Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, CO. to present a check to the school for being voted the Staples Coach of the Week.
The Denver Broncos held a special press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the retirement of Ed McCaffrey, pictured here shaking hands with head coach Mike Shanahan.
Mike Shanahan greets John Lynch shortly before the press conference introducing Lynch as a new Bronco.
Mike Shanahan was on hand at McGlone Elementary School to conduct a press conference and take a tour of the new playground under construction.
Mike Shanahan jokingly hops onto a motorcycle that was autographed by several players for an auction.
Mike Shanahan was on hand at McGlone Elementary School to conduct a press conference and take a tour of the new playground under construction.
Mike Shanahan watches the players go through their pregame drills before the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Mike Shanahan watches the game action from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 17, 2004 at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
Mike Shanahan and John Fox chat during the pregame drills before the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer and Mike Shanahan discuss a strategy along the sidelines during a 2004 game against the Raiders. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan watches his players during their pregame drills before a 2005 game against the Colts. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan watches the game action from the sidelines during a 2005 game.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan chats with Steve Atwater before the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for John Elway and the Class of 2004
Mike Shanahan hands out game balls after the Broncos' victory during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 17, 2004 at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
Mike Shanahan discusses a strategy with his players along the bench area during a 2004 game against the Falcons at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. ©Brett Wilhelm/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan watches game action as snow falls during a 2004 game against the Raiders. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan looks out on the field during game action against the Raiders in 2004.
Mike Shanahan goes over the game plan with Jeb Putzier during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mike Shanahan and his players say a prayer following a 2005 game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 2, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Mike Shanahan is presented with a game ball after his 100th Broncos coaching victory during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mike Shanahan speaks to the team after a 2005 victory over the Chargers.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan patrols the sideline during a 2005 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.
Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan greets Bill Belichick after a 2005 game against the Patriots. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan poses with Jake Plummer as the Denver Broncos hold their awards banquet for the 2005 Walter Payton Man of the Year at Morton's Steakhouse. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan holds up a decorative game ball commemorating the win that made him the franchise's all-time winningest coach.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Pat Bowlen talks with Mike Shanahan in the locker room after the Broncos beat the Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO in the playoffs. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Terrell Davis talks with Mike Shanahan on the sideline before the 2005 AFC Championship Game.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Shanahan looks on from the sideline before the 2005 AFC Championship at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan of the American Football Conference AFC All-Stars surveys the field during the game against the NFC at the NFL Pro Bowl on February 12, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan passes the ball as he waits for the start of the team's first football practice after a bye week in Denver on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Mike Shanahan coaches from the sidelines during a 2006 game against the Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks to the team after a 2006 game against the Raiders.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks with Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's longtime offensive coordinator, after a preseason match up at Invesco Field in Denver, CO in 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Mike Shanahan prepares to lead the team onto the field before a game against the Raiders.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Mike Shanahan talks defensive leaders Champ Bailey, John Lynch and Al Wilson during a 2006 game against the Cardinals.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Mike Shanahan greets cornerback Champ Bailey before a 2006 game against the Chargers.
Photo: Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, center, is flanked by the director of player personnel Jim Goodman, left, and Ted Sundquist, right, in the team's draft room at the their headquarters in Denver, Colo., on Saturday, April 28, 2007, as the National Football League's annual draft began. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Head coaches Herm Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks with Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos on November 11, 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri. Denver defeated Kansas City 27-11. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Members of the 1997 Denver Broncos Super Bowl Team gather with Head Coach Mike Shanahan during Terrell Davis' Ring of Fame ceremony at Invesco Field September 21, 2007.
Coach Mike Shanahan addresses his team in the locker room after Denver defeated Atlanta on November 16, 2008 at the Georgia Dome.
Mike Shanahan talks with Jeremy Bates and Jay Cutler as he tries to redirect the offense in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium December 12, 2008
Head coach Mike Shanahan gave a game ball to Marquand Manuel for his galant play during a week of family strife after the team defeated the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field September 14, 2008
Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan looks over possible picks as the Broncos prepare for the NFL football draft, in Denver on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The Broncos have the 12th pick in the first round of the draft. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
During that first stint as the team's offensive coordinator, Shanahan led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in points during all three of his seasons. The Broncos made the Super Bowl twice in that time frame, and in 1987, Shanahan and the Broncos ranked second in the NFL in yards and fourth in points as they advanced to Super Bowl XXII. Elway earned league MVP honors following the 1987 season.
Shanahan departed Denver to be named the Raiders' head coach ahead of the 1988 season, but he was fired just four games into his second season. He returned to Denver to serve as the team's quarterbacks coach for the 1989 and 1990 seasons before being named the team's offensive coordinator in 1991. Though the Broncos made another Super Bowl appearance during Shanahan's second stint with the team, he parted ways with the team following the 1991 season and joined George Seifert and the 49ers as the team's offensive coordinator.
Under Shanahan's guidance, the 49ers ranked first in the league in scoring for three consecutive years and won Super Bowl XXIX following the 1994 season. With his first Super Bowl championship in tow, Shanahan replaced Wade Phillips in Denver as the team's head coach in 1995.
Following an 8-8 start to his head-coaching career in Denver, Shanahan guided the Broncos to at least 12 wins in each of the next three seasons. Denver responded to a 1996 playoff loss to the Jaguars by going on their "Revenge Tour" in the 1997 postseason. The Broncos, who had the league's top scoring and total offense in 1997, earned wins over the Jaguars, Chiefs and Steelers before upsetting the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. Behind Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis, the Broncos earned their first world championship.
A year later, the Broncos posted the league's second-ranked scoring offense and second-ranked rushing attack as Davis rushed for 2,000 yards. Denver started the season 13-0 — they won 18 consecutive games dating back to Week 17 in 1997 — and defeated the Seahawks in Week 17 to set the club's single-season win mark. Davis passed the 2,000-yard mark during the victory.
The Broncos cruised to their second world championship, which they earned with a 34-19 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Between 1996 and 1998, the Broncos became the first team to win 46 total games across three seasons. They did not lose a single regular-season home game during that stretch and became only the second team to accomplish that feat.
Shanahan is one of just four former head coaches with at least two Super Bowl victories who have not been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The eight other former coaches with two or more Super Bowl wins are all in the Hall.
Following John Elway's retirement after the 1998 season, Shanahan continued to help the Broncos find offensive success. Denver ranked in the top half of the league in rushing yards during each of his remaining 10 seasons with the Broncos. Five of those offenses ranked in the top five in the NFL in rushing yards. The offense possessed balance, too, as the Broncos ranked in the top eight in passing yards in four different seasons.
In 2000, the Broncos ranked second in total offense as they rebounded from a difficult 1999 season to go 11-5 and return to the playoffs. Denver also made the playoffs each season from 2003-05 and earned a Divisional Round win over the New England Patriots during the 2005 postseason to advance to the AFC Championship.
Shananan continued his success with the Broncos as he assumed control of personnel decisions. He was named the team's Vice President of Football Operations in 1999 and later became the Executive Vice President of Football Operations in 2002. He helped orchestrate a blockbuster 2004 trade that sent Clinton Portis to Washington in exchange for future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey.
Bailey earned three first-team All-Pro nods in Denver and made eight Pro Bowls. He led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2006.
During the 2005 postseason, Bailey's interception of Tom Brady helped Shanahan his final of nine posteason wins with the Broncos.
Across his career, Shanahan built a resume that compares to many of the game's greats. In his 14 seasons as the Broncos' head coach, he earned 146 wins, which ranks 14th in NFL history for the most wins with one team. Eleven of the other 14 coaches are in the Hall of Fame; Bill Belichick remains active and Jeff Fisher has not been enshrined.
Including his seven years as an assistant, Shanahan recorded 221 career wins with the Broncos, which is the highest total by any coach in team history. He is one of just six head coaches to win multiple Super Bowls and win more than 200 games with one team. He joins Belichick, Seifert, Don Shula, Tom Landry and Chuck Noll.
While with the Broncos, Shanahan's offenses were consistently dominant. Denver posted the top total offense and rushing offense during his coaching career, and they ranked third in points per game across that 14-year span. During 11 of those seasons, the Broncos had a 1,000-yard rusher. Six different players accomplished the feat for Shanahan's Broncos.
At home, the Broncos enjoyed particular success, as Denver held the best home record in the NFL (83-29) during Shanahan's career. They posted the fourth-best regular-season record.
Soon, Shanahan will return to Empower Field at Mile High for his enshrinement.
When Shanahan is inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2021, he could have company. Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be eligible for enshrinement into both the Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, and the Broncos are expected to also honor Steve Atwater, who will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2021, as well.
