Shanahan to remain Broncos' coach

DENVER (AP) _ Mike Shanahan decided Tuesday to stay with the Denver Broncos, turning down a possible move to succeed Steve Spurrier as Florida football coach. <br><br>Team spokesman Jim Saccomano made

Tuesday, January 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ Mike Shanahan decided Tuesday to stay with the Denver Broncos, turning down a possible move to succeed Steve Spurrier as Florida football coach.

Team spokesman Jim Saccomano made the announcement shortly before a Broncos news conference.

Shanahan met Monday and again Tuesday with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley amid speculation the coach would take the Florida job. It wasn't immediately clear if Shanahan was offered the position.

Shanahan became the second high-profile coach in two days to withdraw as a candidate. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he was staying with the Sooners hours after he met with Foley on Monday.

Foley then traveled to Denver to meet with Shanahan, his longtime friend. The pair met for nearly two hours at Shanahan's home, then again at breakfast Tuesday.

Foley departed aboard a university jet, reportedly bound for New Orleans to talk to Saints defensive coordinator Ron Zook, a former Gators assistant who also has been mentioned as a candidate.

When Foley arrived Monday, he said he was in town to speak with Shanahan, but no offer had been made.

Shanahan canceled his Monday night appearance on his coach's show on KUSA-TV to meet with Foley.

Shanahan led the Broncos to Super Bowl titles in 1998 and 1999 but has endured three straight disappointing seasons. He was offensive coordinator at Florida from 1980-83 and has been the coach of the Broncos since 1995.