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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Denver Broncos fans watched their hopes for the playoffs slip away under head coach Josh McDaniels, and now many said they are happy to see him go along with them.

The Broncos (3-9) shook things up in a big way, announcing the firing of McDaniels Monday evening.

"My decision to relieve Josh McDaniels as head coach was not taken lightly," Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "I will always be appreciative of his passion, enthusiasm and hard work, and I thank him for his efforts. In the end, I was not satisfied with the results and the direction this team was headed. The decision to make a change was extremely difficult but one that needed to be made for this organization and our fans."

McDaniels started his rookie season 6-0 and has gone 5-17 since.

After only a year and a half as head coach in Denver, the Broncos and their fans are saying enough is enough.

"Well I walked into work today and saw it on the TV and was like 'yeah!'" Philip, a Broncos and Tim Tebow fan, said.

For most Bronco fans, the parting of head McDaniels isn't a sad one.

"I'm actually really glad he got fired," Broncos fan Corey said. "I think he made some really bad judgment calls, he sucked, and the Broncos didn't play very good, so I'm glad he's gone."

Since taking over on the sidelines, fans said McDaniels has made some questionable calls, like letting go of Brandon Marshall and not recruiting defensive players.

"McDaniels, I think is just too young to be coaching, 32," Sean, a Broncos fan, said.

With the playoffs already out of reach, some were calling for his firing before Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I think they should have done it a while ago, but I mean sooner is better than later," Philip said.

McDaniels was recently fined $50,000 for the "Spygate II" scandal where a member of his staff videotaped a San Francisco 49ers practice in London.

"I think he lacked the direction and the motivation to get his team really headed in the right direction" Corey said.

Still some are skeptical that getting rid of McDaniels will make any difference for the Broncos.

"I think it's very interesting that the Broncos think the reason that they are losing is purely because of their head coach, and that mistakes weren't made by players or other coaches besides their head coach," George, a Green Bay Packers fan, said.

Broncos running back coach Eric Studesville has been named as interim head coach,

"I am very appreciative of the trust that Mr. Bowlen and the entire Denver Broncos organization have shown in me," Studesville said in a statement. "Although the circumstances that this opportunity resulted from are unfortunate, I am excited to lead this football team. We have a great group of players and coaches who are committed to finishing the season on a promising note and making our fans proud of this team."

But fans have their own ideas of who they'd like to see on the sidelines.

"Jerry Rice, I love that dude," Corey said.

"I'd love to see Bill Cowher," Sean said.

"Well I'm a big fan of the old school team, so I liked Shanahan," Philip said.

Studesville will take the reins for the first time next Sunday when the Broncos take on the Arizona Cardinals, and fans are hoping to see some big changes on the field.

“I am very grateful to Pat Bowlen and the Broncos’ organization for giving me the opportunity to be the Head Coach of such a proud franchise," McDaniels said in a statement. "I would like to thank all of the people who helped us over the last two years. I am especially appreciative of the efforts of every player, coach and member of the personnel department who worked so hard every day. I wish Pat Bowlen and the Broncos’ organization nothing but the best in the future.”