DENVER (AP) – A 2-14 record in the inaugural season just wasn’t good enough, so co-owner John Elway fired the Colorado Crush’s entire coaching staff Monday.

One day after the Crush’s season-ending 59-48 loss in its

first year, Elway dismissed coach Bob Beers and his assistants.

Beers, a former Broncos scout, guided Colorado to an 0-8 home record, as well as a last-place finish in the Western Division.

The Crush demonstrated some competitiveness. They beat Tampa Bay and took Los Angeles and Orlando into overtime before losing.

Elway, who owns the team with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, said the firings were one of the hardest things he has ever had to do.

“Bob was a very good friend of mine and the family and I can’t give him enough credit on how much he helped us from the very get-go in starting this franchise and putting 40 guys together,” he said.

Besides Beers, who was unavailable for comment, the Crush released offensive coordinator Bobby Beers, defensive coordinator Lee Johnson, special teams coach Fred Gayles and line coach Keith Kartz.

AP-ES-05-19-03 1432EDT

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