General manager Ted Sundquist's firing by the Denver Broncos last week came at a busy time for the team.

The draft was less than two months away when Sundquist was let go. Although free agency has slowed down after three weeks, the Broncos could make more moves. There are some spots, such as defensive tackle and offensive line, that might be addressed, and kicker Jason Elam is an unrestricted free agent.

Although Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has final say in all personnel decisions, Sundquist was a key figure in free agency, draft preparation and trades. After six years of Sundquist as his general manager, however, Shanahan decided he couldn't work with him any longer and abruptly informed him he was fired March 12.

"I don't think it was a healthy situation," owner Pat Bowlen told the Rocky Mountain News.

When a statement from Shanahan last week said the team was going to go in "new directions," he addressed the upcoming draft.

"We are prepared to do so, starting with our ongoing draft planning, and along with continuing preparations for our minicamps and training camp," Shanahan said in a statement.

Much of the responsibility for draft planning and remaining free agency moves will fall to Jim and Jeff Goodman, who were given more responsibility in the front office and will work in tandem leading the front office. Chief operating officer Joe Ellis will take over some operational football duties.

"It's no fun at all," Bowlen said of going 7-9. "I want to return to the glory days. I'm not satisfied without having a very significant opportunity to win it all."

Jim Goodman has plenty of experience. He has been with the Broncos 10 years - four as a college scout, four as the director of college scouting and the past two as the director of player personnel. Jeff Goodman, Jim's son, was named assistant to the general manager this offseason after two years as a college scout. After playing college football at Florida, he spent three years as an associate in a law firm.

"I'm not going to sit still," Bowlen told the Rocky. "This is what I do for a living."

As for Sundquist's future, one move that seems like a natural fit might be a return to the Air Force Academy in its athletic department.

Sundquist was a team captain for Air Force as a senior and was a flight commander from 1986-88.

He worked on Air Force's football coaching staff in 1989 and was coach of the Air Force's prep school football team from 1990-92.

Sundquist said last week he hadn't thought about going back to Air Force if given the opportunity, or if he wanted to stay in the NFL.

"I'm open to all options," Sundquist said. "I've got some time to get my personal inventory together."

Sundquist expected that NFL teams wouldn't look to add to their front office until the draft is completed in April. The Broncos might take a similar approach and wait until after the draft if they add anyone to fill Sundquist's spot.

What the Broncos lost in Sundquist was a general manager who was well-liked, respected and heavily involved in offseason moves.

"I would rate Ted Sundquist among the absolute best," said agent Jack Reale, who has represented Broncos such as Elam, cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Nick Ferguson. "He always represented his team's interests very well and firmly. But throughout every negotiation I've had with him, although he was firm, he was a consummate professional and very knowledgable."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4891 or frank.schwab@gazette.com. Check out our Broncos blog at gazettebroncos.blogspot.com