ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan choked up with tears when they spoke of each other Wednesday afternoon.

Bowlen fired Shanahan as the Denver Broncos coach Tuesday. Bowlen said it was time to move on, but the decision was not easy. He said it might have been the most difficult thing he has done in his 25 years as owner.

"This is probably as tough as it gets," Bowlen said.

Bowlen and Shanahan always had a unique relationship. Bowlen stood behind Shanahan and supported the decisions Shanahan made, whether it was writing big checks for free agents or reorganizing the coaching staff and front office. Shanahan respected Bowlen's drive to win a championship.

Bowlen thought their relationship could be strained for a while, but Shanahan didn't convey those feelings. Shanahan began his press conference by thanking players, coaches, front-office personnel and support staff, and was emotional when he got to Bowlen.

"That's tough, because he's a great friend," Shanahan said. "He will always be my great friend. Best owner in sports. I appreciate every opportunity you have given me to be successful."

Bowlen said he didn't want to see Shanahan go to a division rival such as Kansas City, but knew he would have many opportunities and would do well in a new job. Bowlen and Shanahan won two Super Bowls together, and Bowlen said he expected their bond to remain strong.

"I think we'll have a relationship for life," Bowlen said. "You don't do the things we've done together and then sort of move on and forget about it."

Shanahan said when Bowlen told him he was being fired, the conversation lasted about five minutes. Shanahan said he thought the reason the conversation was so short because had it lasted longer, both men might have broken down.

"It was harder on him to tell me than it was for me to accept it," Shanahan said.