Former NFL coach Mike Shanahan watches during the San Francisco 49ers’ organized team activity at its NFL football training facility in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, May 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By David Zizmor

SANTA CLARA–The Denver Broncos who visit Levis Stadium on Saturday night bring a little connected history as former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan and his son San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan have that relation in common with the Broncos. Mike coached in a number of places in the NFL including being offensive coordinator for the 49ers and being former head coach for the Oakland Raiders and had tumultuous relationship with former Raider owner Al Davis which resulted in a lawsuit but is best remembered as the Broncos head coach.

Leaving the Raiders Mike ended up with the Denver Broncos who were quarterbacked by John Elway in the twilight of Mike’s career with Elway and Terrell Davis and with a strong offensive unit. Mike coached that team to the Super Bowl and got a couple victories for Elway. For a long time people were going with former Miami quarterback Dan Marino who was a great quarterback but couldn’t win a championship. Elway got over that hump with Shanahan and he got over it twice. Mike Shanahan will be watching his son Kyle coach his first home game as head coach of the 49ers Saturday night something he will be proud about.

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com