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(AP) -- The Denver Broncos have fired coach Josh
McDaniels, whose nearly two-year stint was marred by the Spygate II
videotape scandal, a series of personnel blunders and the
franchise's worst skid in four decades.

 Running backs coach Eric Studesville will serve as interim coach
for the final month, succeeding McDaniels, 34, whose hiring by team
owner Pat Bowlen in January 2009 is now viewed as a monumental
mistake.

 In a statement, team owner Pat Bowlen said: "My decision to
relieve Josh McDaniels as head coach was not taken lightly. I will
always be appreciative of his passion, enthusiasm and hard work,
and I thank him for his efforts."

 Studesville and chief operating officer Joe Ellis will meet with
the media Tuesday. There was no word on whether McDaniels would
hold a farewell news conference.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)