DENVER -- Denver Broncos defensive boss Jim Bates resigned on Tuesday after the team limped to a 7-9 record in his first year on the job.
Bates' departure was expected. The Broncos finished 19th in overall defense and 30th against the run.
"I had the opportunity to stay," Bates said in a written statement. "(Coach Mike Shanahan) has been very fair with me, and the final decision, for the Broncos and for me, was to step aside."
Bates, whose title was assistant coach-defense, had success with his system with the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins, but the Broncos were unable to master it.
Bates said he was "very saddened that things did not work out."
There was no immediate word on a replacement. Team spokesman Patrick Smyth said the Broncos would have no comment beyond Bates' statement.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
