The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

In a time of transition, new Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel knows that the last thing his team needs is more distraction – especially with the 13-0 Packers showing no signs of slowing and still needing a win to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

“I’ve talked about change and distractions,” Crennel said of his message this week. “When there’s change, there’s some uncertainty because you just really don’t know what to expect sometimes, how things are going to happen, but I told them we’re going to try to stay as much on schedule as we can.”

Though he admits there is still pain when he throws a football, Kyle Orton walked away from Thursday’s practice pleased with the status of his injured right index finger.

“It puts a lot of pressure on your index finger when you throw the football,” Orton said. “When you get to Week 14 everybody is playing hurt, so you’ve got to play through it.

“I’m excited to get out there and give it a go. I feel like it’s been a pretty good week of practice and it’s been good to get out there and get the timing down with the wide receivers.”

“Bill shares our commitment to building the best fan experience in sports and we’re pleased to welcome him and his family to the Kansas City Chiefs,” said club President Mark Donovan. “His broad experience and proven success in building great brands will be a great addition to our leadership team.”

“The Kansas City Chiefs have a rich history with long-standing traditions and a supportive fan base and are committed to building a championship franchise,” Chapin said. “I look forward to being a part of the Kansas City community and working with the entire Chiefs staff. I am honored to be a part of this world-class organization.”

Coaching searches in the NFL usually come down to who you know.

Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland knows former Titans coach Jeff Fisher from his time as a ball boy with the Chicago Bears.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli knows former Denver coach Josh McDaniels from their time together with the Patriots.

In some ways, it makes sense. He worked with Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli when both were with the New England Patriots, and McDaniels was the Patriots’ coordinator when quarterback Matt Cassel was forced into the starting lineup in 2008 after Tom Brady suffered a knee injury. The Patriots, facing the same stacked deck as the 0-13 Indianapolis Colts faced this year without starting quarterback Peyton Manning, instead finished 11-5 that season.