Messenger-Inquirer from Owensboro, Kentucky • 20

8B MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Owernboro, Mar. 11, 1961 Broncos owner confirms firing of Miller, hiring of Reeves ceded there wasn't much time to prepare. Kaiser said he had considered making the changes before he bought the team, but said the actual decisions to fire Miller and Gehrke were made after he became the owner. The fact that Denver was one of the few NFL teams to lose money last year apparently was one factor In his decision, as was reported friction between the coaching staff and management. He said informing Miller of the decision was particularly difficult.

"He's a popular man, for a good reason, but you have and assistant coaches for their hard work. He also said he wished Kaiser, Reeves and Alderman "much, much success as I know they will have." Bronco players generally were shocked at the news, but some also expressed a sense of excitement about the future. "I feel sorry for Red and Fred, but I'm excited for Danny, too," said Denver quarterback Craig Morton, a former teammate of Reeves at Dallas. "He's a very good coach. Everybody's been after him (as a head coaching candidate) for a long time." era was by (ar the most successful in Broncos history.

Gehrke said he was stunned by the decision but insisted he was "not bitter." Miller, who Initially declined comment, issued a statement Tuesday thanking the fans for their support and the players to do what you think Is right. If we handle ourselves well and are successful, I don't think the fans will turn against us." Miller, 53, compiled a 40-22 regular-season record in four years with Denver, Including three playoff appearances and a trip to the Super Bowl in 1978. After records of 12-2, 10-6 and 10-6, his 1980 team slumped to 8-8, and critics questioned his coaching ability and his allegedly unimaginative offense. Gehrke, 62, has been associated with the Broncos for 17 years, the last four as general manager. The Gehrke-Miller i a Windshield wiper blade refills.

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has replaced Head Coach Red Miller and general manager Fred Gehrke with former Dallas assistant Dan Reeves and ex-Viking Grady Alderman. At a press conference Tuesday, Kaiser confirmed he had fired Miller and Gehrke on Monday and hired Reeves to be his new head coach and Alderman to be general manager. The appointments of Reeves, 37, and Alderman, 42, are effective Immediately. Kaiser, who purchased the National Football League chise late last month, repeatedly touched on the themes of youth and offense in explaining his decision to make the staff changes. "I think there are two key factors involved here," said the 38-year-old Kaiser.

"First, I think it's clear the Denver Broncos need a stronger offensive organization. Secondly, unless I get hit by a bus, I plan to be here a long time. This isn't a short-term opportunity for me. I want an organization close to me in age which I can grow up with. "I believe we need a young management organization and a young coaching organization, and I think Mr.

Alderman and Mr. Reeves are the two best men to fill those positions. "Our objective is to try to build an organization that will be a regular playoff contender over the long term. Grady and Dan bring to the job youth, energy and long experience in the NFL." Reeves played eight years with the Dallas Cowboys as a running back, becoming a player-coach his final three seasons. Since 1970, with the exception of one year in private business, he has been an assistant coach with the Cowboys, Including the last four years as offensive coordinator.

His name consistently has been mentioned when NFL head coaching vacancies occurred, and he confirmed he was offered the Atlanta job four years ago. "I don't think that from a maturity standpoint I was ready for the Atlanta job," he said. "I'm better prepared now, and this is a better opportunity for me. Most of the time a new head coach comes into a situation where the team is not doing well, but this team has been in the playoffs three' of the last four years. "I've had some great training under Coach (Tom) Landry, and it's tough to leave Dallas.

But this is a great opportunity for me a dream come true, really, since I was player-coach in 1970." Reeves said he is committed to the multiple offense employed by the Cowboys but probably won't use Dallas' flex defense. "I don't know anything about the flex," he said. "My No. 1 priority is to find a defensive coordinator," said Reeves, who expects to be deeply involved in Denver's offense. He said he has talked with Miller's assistant coaches to ascertain their interest in staying here, and said he hopes to assemble a staff soon.

Alderman, a former All-Pro offensive lineman with Minnesota, has been the Vikings' director of planning and development since December 1979 and also is a certified public accountant. He said his goal since 1965 has been to become an NFL general manager and added, "I don't think there's a better place for me to get that opportunity." A believer in group problem-solving, he said he expects to reach accord with Reeves on major trades and other matters. He said he prefers to "build through the draft, but there are some trade situations where if you get a bargain, you have to take a hard look at The staff changes come less than two months before the NFL draft, and Alderman con- J't Liquors, cat of Widomann Boor, 1 2 ox. cans, $5.71 plus tax. Ask about Sears credit plans Reduces friction to help increase gasoline mileage.

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