Still In Disbelief

by Chiefs

First off, the cold/flu bug has invaded my house, I thought it was going to miss me, but I was wrong. If some/all of this makes little to no sense, then please accept my apologies.

I’m a little reluctant to write this weeks article-afraid something will happen the second I finish it. I like to write a rough draft early on in the week, jot down some thoughts and then as time permits I go back and add too or take away from my thoughts. I had this weeks article ready to go…and then all hell broke lose.

The first part was about whoever the next GM was going to be and what he was going to do, who he was going to get to coach, you know, the same guessing stuff that goes on when there isn’t any “real” news to break down or analyze. Then the announcement came that the Chiefs and Scott Pioli agreed to terms arranging for him to become the next general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. Let me just say that I am still in disbelief when I think the Chiefs actually got what many consider the best personnel executive in the NFL to come and run the franchise. I’m still in shock I think. Now I can look forward to this off season more than I have in the past 5 years-I CAN’T WAIT!

The last part of the my article, which I was very proud of by the way, was about how I thought the Chiefs should take a hard look at S Taylor Mays out of USC. I went on a little bit about the sheer physical presence he brings to the playing field, and then I went off on how horrid and useless Bernard “Bone Crusher” Pollard is/was. You know, how he takes awful angles can’t tackle, tries to knock people out with big hits only to knock himself down and let the rusher advance the ball until someone else gets there-the usual stuff.

Well, that was until Tuesday. I was down stairs and decided to get online for a second or two and look around to see if any news or rumors had broke in regard to the Chiefs GM search. My oh my. I couldn’t believe it, I was so happy and elated and in my search for more info and news, I came across a blurb about Taylor Mays was not coming out this year and would return to USC for his final year.

So come Wednesday, I figured there would be no “tweaking” of my article this week, there would have to be a major “scrapping”. So I started again, with a fresh slate-my first article since a GM has been employeed by the Chiefs whose name is not Carl Peterson. So anyway I am going to hit on the obvious questions many of you have raised and arguments that have resulted.

I am one of the people that think Herm should get another year. For all those out there that feel Herm should be let go, ask yourself this question; Would Herman Edwards managed the football team–personnel wise–differently if he was not given the blessing from Clark Hunt to rebuild this team from the ground up? If Clark said to Herm; “Hey, I need to see a consistent playoff team in two years.” Do you think Herm would have gutted the roster and started so many rookies and first year players? Absolutely not. Herm had a vision, Clark Hunt saw the vision with him and signed off on it. Period.

You can make the argument that in today’s NFL with free agency did it have to be done that way at all–I can see the argument there. But to try and blame this all on Herm is ridiculous and stupid. I bet if Pioli decides to let Edwards go, and next year rolls around and these young guys look so much better you will give all the credit to the new coach–right? In your eyes, Edwards will have nothing to do with the development of them. You can’t let a man start something then pull the rug out from under his feet.

I saw on NFL Total Access Wednesday night in Adam Schefter’s segment, Rich Eison asked him about the possibility of Mike Shanahan taking over as the Chiefs head coach. What do you guys think about that?

Now that Taylor Mays is not going to be in this year’s draft, I am running out of people to get excited about. Stafford? No. Curry? Not really. Crabtree? I don’t doubt his ability, I just hate to think the Chiefs would turn into the Lions of the AFC West and draft a WR in the first round all the time. The real question is what type of defense does Scott Pioli envision the Chiefs running? A 3-4 like the Patriots? Tampa 2? Traditional 4-3 or maybe some sort of hybrid like they run in Philly?

Sanchez is coming out much to the dismay of head coach Pete Carroll-I can’t say I blame Carrol. However, if Sanchez lands in the top 5 in this years draft, obviously he made the right choice, financially anyway. I don’t think Sanchez will be that great, he played well in the PAC 10, losing to the only other legitimate team in the conference. He started only one year because he couldn’t beat out Leinhart who rides the pine in Arizona or John David Booty who can’t beat out Tarvaris Jackson who by all accounts sucks. He had one great game against legit competition in the Rose Bowl versus Penn State. I’m sorry, I just don’t see it.

I especially don’t see it with the new man the Chiefs have in charge now. Tom Brady and Matt Cassel, both late round draft picks that obviously are more than capable of starting in the NFL. I don’t see Pioli– begining of building his team-drafting a QB with the #3 pick overall. My best guess is he will do all he can to trade down, most likely with a team wanting/coveting Crabtree.

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My vote is Haley right now.

if I get Haley, Thiggy as the starter, Bowe, Tony & Crabtree... I'll giggle like a school girl.

Co-owner Wayne Huizenga will complete the sale of the Dolphins to co-owner Stephen Ross on Tuesday, according to the Miami Herald

The deal will give Ross 95% ownership and leave Huizenga with 5%. The total value of the deal is $1.1 billion. Upon completion, VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells has 30 days to exercise an out clause in his contract and possibly leave the franchise. There is speculation that he could go to KC to work with son-in-law Scott Pioli, potentially even as head coach.

Jeremy,

That's what I keep telling myself...maybe there is a young guy out there that wasn't on anybody's radar and Scott is just waiting for the right moment to hire him. The next Mike Tomlin or someone like that.

Herm not being at the Senior Bowl is pretty much the writing on the wall for me. I don't think he is staying. I think it's dumb just to keep him around for nothing. I'm sure he would land in Tampa or Indy as a DC or Secondary coach.

Jeremy and Kingpin

Thank you for your support.

Hammer

dbk301, sure you can keep Herm for his final year of his contract in hopes to get a good coach for 2010, what doesn't make sense about that? Looks as though all the good coaches have been picked up already, so maybe they will keep Herm for one more year to hire Cowher in 2010. The guys at arrowhead pride sure think so, here is there clip I just read
"Part of Herm staying for one more season is, of course, linked to Bill Cowher.

Bill Cowher has gone on record stating that he doesn't plan to coach in the NFL in 2009. Naturally, this had led to speculation that Herm Edwards will be retained for the 2009 season and that Cowher could come to the Chiefs in 2010."

So it looks as though I wasn't the only one thinking this. Do I want Herm for one more year, hell no, I say fire the guy now, but we won't be as bad next year sine we have Pioli and Thiggy. Pioli will deliver us a good draft, and Thiggy will deliver us from the 2 game nightmare season. Also, I wasn't saying there was an "agreement" between the two, but since Pioli and Cowher are friends, and Pioli knows that Cowher is not coming back to coach in 2009, obviously he might have an idea if Cowher could come back in 2010, which could be what we're seeing. This is pure speculation of course, not facts, but it makes sense, and if it happens I wouldn't be surprised. I think I'm also deep down hoping that this happens as I know the Chiefs won't be as bad next year, and the idea of getting Cowher, and possibly a franchise QB is very exciting.

Awesome new banner Zach....

Anniversary is coming up.... *crosses self*

Hammer you rule in this debate. The hermster is a disaster. What kind of mind would want to retain a coach just to get a high draft choice. Children of the corn. In this league the names change fast. Get a coach and play to win, period. Randy I hope you get well soon. Go Herm, go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woody you are bringin' it down baby

Keyshawn, Warren, current players....all said the same thing...He is a joke....

Do you really think there is not a reason he hasn't been considered for any other job so far...really?

They know...he has crapped on too many people and burned too many bridges...

Not to mention he has never developed a franchise qb.

Pioli better chickedy check it before he wrecks it

snead 101 Why do we want a lame duck coach. It just does not make sense. The previous sentence only applies if you consider Herm a head coach. Let us get a coach. The man's game day skills suck. The bottom line is new GM, new coach equals new era. I say "hermless in 09" now that has a ring to it.

Jeremy,

Sorry, bro, but you have to stop dreaming. He is too power hungry to come and work FOR his son in law.

Would be cool even though I think Herm should stay for the remainder of his contract.

Herm is not in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior bowl. Parcells IS in Mobile. The Senior Bowl in THE trade show for coaches and players. Parcells is probably not conducting Miami Dolphins business in Mobile. Could he be preparing to become the next head coach of the Kansas City chiefs?

It was actually MEshawn Johnson that called him a used car salesman. MEshawn has no credibility in my opinion. Tampa paid him to stay away because he was such a locker room cancer. I'm not the biggest John Gruden fan, but to say the guy isn't a good coach is utterly ridiculous.

Gruden is an ass-clown. His own players call him a used car salesman of a coach. His former players say noone could believe a word he said cuz he was constantly contradicting his words and actions.

I am not against checking out Steve Mariucci....He did well in San Fransisco (with a Steve Young AND with Garcia) and he was the best the Lions had in the past decade....

I think he is overlooked and dismissed too easily.

I would be perfectly fine with Gruden. I don't care if he is a retread. Belichick was a retread as well when he got hired by New England.

are you talking about attorneyhanson.com ?

Yes that is me.

Born in Olathe Kansas 1971. GO CHIEFS!!!!

Slow day at work with the holiday and all. lol..

I think I will literally vomit if we hire Gruden. That team was absolutely Dungy's team. Has he developed one single player since he's gotten there? His best players are STILL Dungy's guys. I would rather put up with Herm any day of the week.

Wow, I've never had the privalege to "see" someone on these message boards until your site Jeremy. Very nice. Is that you with the big smile on the front page?

We need a "New Shining Star" picked by Pioli based upon his knowledge and desire to create the best team he can to fulfill Pioli's hype and legacy.

In Pioli we trust indeed....

Fire Herm ALREADY!!!!

He retooled the O and rode a dominant D coordinated by one of the best ever. Since his Super Bowl win, he's 45-53. Eh....pretty mediocre at best if you ask me. Do you really want this recently fired retread? Or a new shining star handpicked by Pioli?

I still think the best name not mentioned is Steve Mariucci. Any opinions?

He was the coach so it was actually his team. Dungy could never win the Super Bowl with those guys. It wasn't until Gruden took over that they won it all. Look at what he did in Oakland. Tampa Bay has had a good OL, but have had nothing as far as skill position players go.

For the record, Gruden won a Super Bowl with Dungy's players. Since Dungy left, Gruden hasn't proven that he is even close to being Dungy's caliber. His ego is huge and his run-ins with the brass cost him his job. I doubt Pioli wants anything to do with the guy. My guess is that Gruden will either be an O coordinator or pos coach to reestablish himself or go to the analyst side a la Brian Billick.

DBK, Gruden won the Super Bowl with whose team, his or Dungy's? What has he done since? He was supposed to be this offensive guru after leaving Oakland but has had nothing but a nice defense that is still hanging on from the Dungy days (think Derrick Brooks and Rhonde Barber). Average coach at best in my opinion.

Chiefs447,

Gruden has proved nothing as a HC? Really? I guess winning a Super Bowl doesn't prove anything. I only wish we had coaches that were as unproven as Gruden and won Super Bowls for us.

Dear "the hammer formerly known as g.l."

Thank you.

Jeremy

It's MLK day so we know he isn't going anywhere today.

In the past twenty years of chiefs history no one has even come close to having a two win fourteen loss season other than Herm Edwards. Dick Vermeil came the closest with the team he inherited from Gunther Cunningham after Gunther was fired as head coach. That team (Dick Vermeil's went 6-10). In the two years Gunther was head coach, he went 16-16 and was CANNED. To get to a two win season for the Chiefs you have to go clear back to 1977 when the season was fourteen games. The Chiefs had two head coaches that season the first being Paul Wiggins who went 1-6. Wiggins was CANNED. He was replaced by Tom Bettis who also went 1-6 and was CANNED. Why is Herm Edwards still on the payroll? Anybody? Somebody? WTF?

Snead101, I cannot stomach another Herm season.....

{By the way the Steelers are still Cower's team. What draft picks or free agents that Tomlin has brought in are doing anything? That is still the talent that Cowher brought in.}

Do we wait Cower? Is he interested? You have to do what's best for the team now. So I say no. fire Herm, get a new Coach, Cower not meant to be. Don't get in a bidding war for his services next year. If Cower really wants to be in KC, then now is the time. We should wait for no one, and accept nothing but the best out of everyone.

As Herm said, he worked his ass of last year. If that is the case, then his best was not good enough. Move on!!

You cannot keep Herm in the hopes that you can get a guy in 2010. Herm wouldn't allow himself to be used like that and there is no way you could have a deal in place without it becoming public knowledge. You do what you can to be the best team you can be in 2009.

Gruden has proved nothing as a head coach in my opinion. Why not let Herm have ONE more year? If he proves himself, great, if not then go for Cowher. Is there anything wrong with this beside were not patient enough?

The only way I would attest to letting Harm coach one more year is if I know that Pioli has an agreement with Cowher to coach in 2010, as it doesn't make sense to fire Harm, hire another coach and then fire him the next year to hire a REAL coach. If that is the case, then I'll just not buy NFL sunday ticket, and brace for the worst in hopes to land a good coach and good QB in 2010.

How about Anquan leaving the facility instead of celebrating going to the Super Bowl? What a douche

Well here is what I think. First off I believe that if Herm is talked too about being HC for the last year of his contract, I believe he will want it to be restructured meaning another GOD knows 2-3 years. That would be awful.

Good news is that Gruden is available to my knowledge and if he is still available I think he would be a great HC for us at this point in time.

Pioli is going to get it straight with out a doubt regardless!

"It takes a individual to make the pro bowl, but it takes a team to win championships"!! Love that!

dbk301

I think you typed my name by accident, or misunderstood my posts. I am not a Herm supporter.

My post should have been to Steven instead of Jeremy.

Fair enough. I think if you're going to change a GM, common sense tells you to change the coaching staff too. With Gailey interviewing in TB and Cunningham possibly going to Detroit, the writings are on the wall. I think Tood Haley is a very interesting candidate. Look at the playcalling on the game winning TD. The LB left at the snap to help Samuel on Fitz (who isn't human BTW wow!) and left that gap wide open to attack with the screen. He won a chessmatch against one of the best, most experienced and respected coordinators in the game. It should be interesting to see how the big game goes.

Zorn and Harbaugh were some under the radar candidates who were hired and did a good job (especially Harbaugh, who was never even a coordinator at this level).

Jeremy

You don't see any other better options than Herm? Really? Gruden and Shanahan are proven winners that I would rather have over Herm. I'd also rather give guys like Frazier or Haley a shot over Herm. My wife who likes the Ravens because she likes Poe would be a better option than Herm.

There are plenty of other viable coaching candidates out there... Just because some big names are unavailable or are not willing to coach this year means nothing. HERM HAS TO GO.

Pioli knows football. He knows who can coach and who cant. Our new head coach will probably have no head coaching experience. Remember Pioli wants total control, he doesn't need another ego to compete with.

I trust Pioli. I just hope he sees all the problems with keeping Herm.

The names Todd Haley and Spagnuoli(sp) sound interesting.

To me firing Herm is a necessity, it like the the French Revolution, you had to behead King Louis even though he had no power left to yield, and was essentialy hermless(sic).

My boy Rex Ryan was hired by the Jets. What coaches are worth hiring at this point? It's pretty useless to speculate, but Pioli's track record shows that he leaves no stone unturned and is extremely thorough in every decision he makes. I agree Herm should be canned. Did he get a raw deal when he got here? Probably, but the NFL isn't about preserving feelings. Marinelli inherited a poorly assembled club and couldn't do much about it. He was fired. Coughlin's players stood up for him after his "lame duck" season and he was retained. He won the big one the next season. I'm thinking the Chiefs players will stand up for Herm for what its worth. Whether or not that helps him remains to be seen, but whatever happens, I think this team will be dangerous next year if they shore up the front 7.

"Well, either way, no matter what we think I will let Scott Pioli decide…"

I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment.

"His whole coaching staff are running for the hills…. The writing is on the wall…"

Prieffer - buh bye
Gunther - buh bye

Or do you think this team would be better off keeping these 2 clowns on staff?

Not Herm's fault? Team leader in tackles worthless?

Are we watching the same freakin' games, dude?

Clark did not sign off on this. He said another 4-12 season would be unacceptable verbatim.

Standing up for Harm is what is ridiculous and stupid.

Woody,

Good point, "In Scott Pioli We Trust". Whatever he decides I will presume it is the best choice and wait and see how it plays out.

Eric,

Tampa isn't in the middle of building a team from scratch...why has everyone all of a sudden lost sight of that?

Jeremy, don't get me wrong. I am not adamant about him staying, I just don't see any other viable option right now. But like a posted a little while ago. If the Chiefs keep Herm and Chan leaves and Gunther leaves so on and so forth. How are they going to get guys to come in and coach for what most likely would be one year.