Here are some thoughts from bloggers/readers in our live chat:

Merlin

Soft schedule that will have Chiefs fans dreaming of making the playoffs. Even with a great draft, that’s a stretch.

Randy

Medium Schedule, super exciting opening game, Extra game in St Louis I can attend, Thirteen live games for me!

Ehud189

Monday Night Football returns to Arrowhead! With a little luck we could be in the playoff hunt this year but, realistically I see us as no better than 8-8.

Kansas City Chiefs lineman Brian Waters has won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a source close to the NFL told KMBC 9 News. An official announcement was expected as part of the league’s events leading up to Sunday’s Super Bowl.The honor recognizes players for their community service as well as strong performance on the field.

Looks like the Chiefs will be winning something tomorrow. Nothing will be confirmed until the official announcement is made but it looks as though Brian Waters is getting a well deserved honor. I understand he is involved in somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 dozen charities! That is fantastic. Congratulations Brian!

After the hiring of Romeo Crennel as the Chiefs new defensive coordinator, Todd Haley indicated that he would like Pendergast to remain on the staff, possibly coaching the defensive backs. I told you that it was my theory that Pendergast was simply acting as a place holder for Crennel and that I thought Clancy would remain on the staff.

I still believe Haley would have liked Clancy to stay on board but I had it a couple of weeks ago from a source that Pendergast decided he did not wish to stay. It appears the Chiefs will let him go.

Teicher says a Chiefs source said the parting is “mutual.”

In the same article, Teicher goes on to say that the Chiefs have also fired coach Dedrick Ward. Ward began last season as the WR coach before being demoted and replaced by Richie Anderson. Anderson will apparently continue on as the WR’s coach.

Charlie Weis has been signed, sealed and delivered…he’s yours.

Cross the “T’s” and dot the “I’s,” there is a new offensive mind in town. This change at the top of the Chiefs offense is nothing like the first that fans experienced in what was just five short (but long) months ago.

There won’t be any wholesale changes to the Chiefs offense. Everything that was implemented from August-thru-January under Todd Haley will remain at its core under Weis.

I think this is excellent news Chiefs fans. The most important thing here is continuity. The face that the base playbook will stay the same is fantastic news. This gives the offense to continue to build on what they have been learning rather than start over. This, coupled with Todd Haley now having more time to focus on his head coaching responsibilities, should be of great value to the team next season.

There is sure to be more news coming and likely a press conference. Keep it here Addicts. We’re on it. 

I think this is excellent news Chiefs fans. The most important thing here is continuity. The face that the base playbook will stay the same is fantastic news. This gives the offense to continue to build on what they have been learning rather than start over. This, coupled with Todd Haley now having more time to focus on his head coaching responsibilities, should be of great value to the team next season.

There is sure to be more news coming and likely a press conference. Keep it here Addicts. We’re on it.

Sad news today Addicts. Bengals receiver, Chris Henry, died at 6:36 A.M. this morning in relation to injuries received from allegedly falling out of the back of a pickup truck driven by his fiancé during a domestic dispute.

The incident reportedly happened sometime on December the 16th. Henry was found on a residential street suffering what police called “life threatening injuries.”

Henry was currently on injured reserve after suffering a broken left forearm in a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

He leaves behind 3 children.

I can speak for us all here at AA when I say that we wish the Henry family and the Cincinnati Bengals our deepest condolences.

Yesterday NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell officially lifted Bowe’s suspension, making it possible for the Chiefs to add him back to the active roster.

Bowe hit the practice field today and the word out of Arrowhead is that he looks strong and is running with the first team.

The Chiefs offense should get a much needed boost from Bowe’s return. In recent weeks opponents have clamped down on Chris Chambers so having Bowe back on the field should give Matt Cassel some better looks this Sunday against the Browns.

Bowe was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the leagues policy on performance enhancing substances.

How do you like them apples Addicts?

The details of the deal are currently unknown, but you know the man got a Cassel of riches. His agent isn’t going to let him agree to chump change when he was scheduled to make just a shade under $15 million this upcoming season due to the franchise tender the Hoody and Co. slapped on him back in New England. There’s one huge thing we Chiefs fans can take away from this development, and it’s that the Chiefs’ brain trust couldn’t give their new signal caller much more of a ringing endorsement.

Update: Pro Football Talk believes they know the details:

Though we are coming up empty via traditional efforts to determine details regarding Cassel’s deal, we currently believe that it’s indeed a six-year package, with a base value in excess of $60 million.

That’s more than the six-year deal Tom Brady signed with the Patriots in 2005, which further confirms that he’s one of the most underpaid players in the NFL.

We also believe that the three-year take, one of the key factors in determining the value of a contract, is more than $42 million.

More money than — GULP! — Tom Brady? Hope he’s worth it, and I think he will be. Remember, Brady also gave the cap-strapped Pats a break so they could add other players. Funny thing is, Gisele will make more than both quarterbacks combined next year.

(hat tip: Arrowhead Pride)

(P.S. – Yes, I am back. More on that very soon. Kind of an A.A. debriefing heading into the season.)

If you previously believed Gunther Cunningham hadn’t yet lost his marbles, then this piece of news might make change your mind. The Detroit Lions have signed defensive end Eric Hicks. Yeah, that Eric Hicks. You know, the one who’s been out of football since 2007 when he played sparingly for the Jets. You know, the guy who stunk it up in the Vermeil era. Yeah, that Eric Hicks is going to the worst defense in the NFL.

From Detroit Free Press:

The Lions also released two wide receivers: Travis Taylor and Steve Sanders. They signed defensive end Eric Hicks, who played under Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham in Kansas City.

Hicks made the Chiefs’ roster as an undrafted rookie out of Maryland in 1998, when Cunningham was the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. He spent nine years in Kansas City. Cunningham was the Chiefs’ head coach in 1999-2000 and their defensive coordinator from 2004-07. Hicks spent 2007 with the New York Jets and didn’t play in the NFL last year.

What else can we really say about this one? It’s not often that an over-the-hill defensive coordinator goes to the league’s worst defense and imports one of his old hasbeen defenders who’s been out of the game for a year. Anyone doubt the decision to let ol’ Gun walk now?

Posting on si.com that two sources tell me there is no new deal between the Chiefs and Matt Cassel.

Matt Cassel has a new deal with the Chiefs. From PFT:

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel can afford to treat his offensive linemen to a few steak dinners, or buy the big guys some Rolexes if he’s so inclined.

Cassel has reportedly agreed to terms on a six-year contract that includes $36 million in guaranteed money, according to Mike Lombardi of NFL Network.

Considering we gave up a second-rounder for him and will pay him less than Matt Stafford, I’m very happy with this development. This also shows the faith the Pioli Trinity is willing to place in Cassel. This also likely clears even more cap room for the Chiefs to operate today and beyond.

• Aaron Curry 3-1
• Eugene Monroe 3-1
• Tyson Jackson 4-1
• Trade 5-1
• Brian Orakpo 6-1
• Michael Crabtree 10-1
• Everette Brown 20-1
• Field 50-1

Those are just my thoughts based on what I have been reading and hearing. Personally, I don’t think the Chiefs will take Curry. I think the pick will be either Jackson or Monroe, or a trade out of that spot. I guess we’ll know pretty damn soon. I think our spot has now become the trade-up destination for Mark Sanchez enthusiasts (Jets, Redskins, etc…).

Addicts, how do you handicap the Chiefs’ draft possibilities?

Per Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, Tony Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for their 2010 second-round pick. We will greatly miss our most beloved Chief. That’s all I have to say.

Did we get a good deal?  Will we use that pick to trade into the second round this year? Sound off, Addicts.

The Lions are close to agreeing on a deal with Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Lions president Tom Lewand met with owner William Clay Ford for final approval earlier today, and the two sides could finalize a contract as soon as today. One source said a “catastrophe” would have to happen for the Lions not to draft Stafford at this point.

Can’t say this thrills me, but it does make the No. 3 pick a more valuable trade commodity. Hopefully, someone will trade up with us to leapfrog the Seahawks and draft Mark Sanchez. Otherwise, I think we could pick Aaron Curry. But here’s another name I’ll throw out there — Tyson Jackson.

Everyone loves to yap about how Scott Pioli selected a Curryesque linebacker 10th overall just a year ago. But what about when he picked 3-4 defensive end Richard Seymour sixth overall? Some people thought that was a reach, well, at least before all the Pro Bowl trips they did. Maybe Jackson — the best 3-4 DE in this draft, probably hands down — is not a reach at No. 3. Especially if he is willing to give us a discount in order to become the third pick.

Addicts, what does Stafford to the Lions mean for the Chiefs?

The plot thickens…

Aaron Curry is reportedly shopping himself to the Lions — trying to upend Matthew Stafford as the Number 1 pick and turning the draft upside down in the process.  Curry said that he would accept a deal worth less than $30 million, which is what last year’s top pick, Jake Long, got.

Not to be outdone, Stafford offered his Chevy Tahoe as a trade in if the Lions drafted him.   His offer drew a collective “ooooooh” from Ford execs. /sarcasm

I think Detroit still takes Stafford with some reluctance — they need a QB but they might consider taking Curry.

What do you think Addicts?  Is our love affair with Curry over with for good?

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Now, I’ve had the time to sit down and read almost everything that’s been written about this situation. In my opinion, you can’t compare L.J.to Clinton Portis or Marshall Faulk or even Willis McGahee. I think this is more like Jamal Anderson meets Ricky Williams. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s my guesstimation that L.J. has no value on the trade market. I expect the Chiefs to eventually have to cut Larry, I really do.

I’ll be back with a vlog here soon, but for now…

Addicts, sound off on the Chiefs winning their Larry Johnson grievance case today…

Thank you, Chan Gailey. Apparently, Sippio made an impression on him last preseason with his play.

Thank you, Todd Haley. Apparently, Haley saw more similaraties between Sipp and Larry Fitzgerald than just dreds and height.

Thank you, Scott Pioli. At least someone in this league recognizes game when they see it!

Screw ordering my No. 7 Cassel jersey; it’s time to finally get myself that No. 83 Sippio jersey I’ve always talked about!

Chiefs Re-Sign Sippio – The Kansas City Star

7

Great Prince song, good Brad Pitt movie, a digit hated by PETA and a number that haunted Chiefs fans during the Martyball years. Hopefully, Cassel will reverse the curse and 7 will be a number that Chiefs fans learn to love.

Why did Cassel pick the number 7? Probably because a bunch of nobodies have worn it for the Chiefs, most recently Casey Printers and Justin Medlock. Becoming the greatest No. 7 won’t be much of a challenge for him. I like the choice. 7 just feels right for our first franchise quarterback in what seems like seven decades.

I guess we can all go out and get our Matt Cassel jerseys now.

The Kansas City Star

Maybe the most overlooked aspect of this signing is how well Goff knows the Bolts offense. That could come in handy considering we have a new defensive coaching staff that needs to get caught up to speed on our divisional foes. Additionally, I think the Chargers would have liked to have kept Goff. I think franchising Darren Sproles along with the LaDainian Tomlinson contract situation made Goff a luxury they could no longer afford. Sucks for them, but their loss is our gain.

This is a big signing for the Chiefs that takes some of the draft-weekend focus away from the offensive line. That could allow us to  both address more glaring holes (pass rush) or go best player available (Aaron Curry, Michael Crabtree). This also reveals that Scott Pioli indeed thought we went too young too fast the past few years. Let’s welcome the big man to Kansas City! Somebody get the man a slab of Jack Stack ribs on the double.

Addicts, sound off on the addition of Mike Goff!

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Contrary to remarks by Kansas City owner Clark Hunt, Tony Gonzalez wants to be traded if the right deal can be made, a person close to the Pro Bowl tight end told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject, the person said Gonzalez was surprised that Hunt had said the Chiefs were definitely not going to trade their 10-time Pro Bowler.

“If the right deal can be made, Tony very much wants the Chiefs to trade him,” the person said. “Tony is not demanding a trade. Tony cherishes the time he’s spent with the Chiefs and he loves the way he’s always been treated by the fans there. But he knows of some other teams that would be interested in him and if the right deal can be made, he wants it to be made.”

Now, this is not coming directly from Tony, first of all. Second, the source clearly says that he isn’t “demanding a trade” from the Chiefs. Then there’s his trade value. If we all think long and hard and recall the 2008 trade deadline, we’ll remember that the most Tony G will probably net us in a trade is a third-rounder. Considering all of those things, I highly doubt No. 88 gets shipped out of K.C. Especially when Clark Hunt just said that he has no desire to move his Pro Bowl tight end.

The Kansas City Chiefs got the final pick of the draft at No. 256.

Teams who the NFL determines have a net loss of players in the previous season – in terms of quantity and quality – are eligible to receive extra picks in the draft.

However, the Lions were not awarded any compensatory picks based on the compensatory pick formula. Detroit and Kansas City were each given a compensatory pick based on the 2009 draft selection order.

By rule, two additional picks are awarded at the end of the seventh round to bring the total number of compensatory selections to 32, equaling the number of NFL clubs.

As bad as we’ve been, I’ll take all the draft picks we can get! Yes, even Mr. Irrelevant. Especially with The Pioli Trinity now making the draft decisions.

• Matt Stafford scored a 38. I’m not his biggest fan, but this score paired with a standout pro day has gotten even my attention. Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman also fared pretty well, scoring 28 and 27 respectively. Matt Ryan scored a 32 last year. We at least know that if any of the three drop, it won’t be because of their Wonderlic scores.

• Andre Smith scored a 17, which raises yet another red flag for the ginormous Alabama prospect.

• Rey Maualuga scored a 15. Yikes! No thanks to him being the QB of our new defense. Fellow Trojan backers Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing recorded a 27 and a 23, respectively.

• Meanwhile, Michael Crabtree’s 15 isn’t a big deal, as receivers typically don’t do well or need to do well. On the other hand, Jeremy Maclin’s 25, especially considering his age, is still quite an impressive score.

• As for the big boys up front, Eugene Monroe (24) and Jason Smith (23) did fine, but it was Arizona OT Eben Britton who really turned some heads with his (31). This is why I don’t want us to draft a tackle at No. 3. Because every year a player like Britton goes in the late first (Sam Baker) or early second (Tony Ugoh), and ends up being essentially just as good as the Jake Longs and Joe Thomases of the draft. Britton’s score bodes well for a prospect who’s stock was already rising.

• No scores for Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo or Everette Brown…yet. But since presumably all the scores leaked, no news is good news.

Fellow addicts, sound off on the Wonderlic score results…

King Carl, eat your heart out. Scott Pioli is quickly becoming the real king of Kansas City. Not some self-appointed king bereft of any clout away from his imaginary little kingdom either. The NFL is abuzz over Pioli right now. Actually, the NFL media might be more impressed with Pioli than Chiefs Nation is right now.

Why? Because the new king just went out and got himself a Cassel. As in quarterback Matt Cassel, and for only a second-round pick. Oh yeah, he just happened to get a 2007 Pro Bowl outside linebacker thrown into the deal, too. As if getting the young potential franchise QB Chiefs fans have waited decades for for just a second-rounder wasn’t enough. It’s sure nice to have a king who spoils his subjects for once.

In our comments there was a statement about Chiefs Nation drinking the Pioli Kool-Aid. I’m not drinking the Pioli Kool-Aid. Not at all. I’m doing a freakin’ kegstand gulping down throatfuls of Pioli Pilsner! Boy, does it taste good.

Zach and I have been on the phone just shocked.

Shocked that a deal happened? Not one bit. Zach and I called for this in our first Blueprint and Cassel has been our No. 1 quarterback target all along (And, yes, Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez were options B and C for me.). In fact, I predicted this last night. Hitchcock’s calm before the storm, remember? So we weren’t surprised about the trade at all. What we were shocked about was that the Chiefs hauled in Cassel and Mike Vrabel in exchange for only the No. 34 pick. I told Zach that I thought it was our 2009 third along with our 2010 first.

Here’s what I’m thinking…

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It’s official! The Chiefs have traded the Patriots for outside linebacker/mean mofo Mike Vrabel. From NFL.com:

New England’s Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Vrabel is in Kansas City undergoing a physical so that he can then be traded to the Chiefs. General Manager Scott Pioli is reaching out to bring in a player familiar with his system, and New England is a willing trade partner.

Look, Vrabel may be 33, but NFL linebackers have a long shelf life. Plus, he made the Pro Bowl and had 12.5 sacks in 2007. He’s far from washed up, and who would know that better than Scott Pioli? I’m sure the Patriots are trying to get younger, so this deal makes sense for them, too.

We’ll have to wait and see what we give up, but for now I like it. This gives us a defensive leader and Pro Bowl-caliber player, albeit an aging one, who knows Pioli and his system. Vrabel is also one of those mean bastards you hate when they are on somebody else’s team, but love when they are on yours. This instantly starts to chip away at the losing culture in our locker room.

He’s also a pretty damn good goalline tight end. The way things are going with our vets — GULP! — we might need one of those.

This also looks like a definite sign that we are moving to the 3-4. Not only that, but a sign that we want to be competitive, and competitive soon. This also shows that the Pats are willing to deal with us, which could mean that a Matt Cassel trade is also on the horizon.

Kansas City, I think you are going to love this guy!

Addicts, sound off on Mike Vrabel coming to K.C.? Are you buying yourself a jersey, cursing the front office or somewhere in between?

Darren Sproles, Julius Peppers and Terrell Suggs. Add three more names to the list of high-profile free agents the Chiefs won’t be signing. All three were franchise tagged by their current teams earlier today.

Oh yeah, Anquan Boldin is now also saying that he’s open to a long-term deal with the Cardinals. So much for bringing in ‘Quan. Jordan Gross also re-signed with the Panthers. Add Karlos Dansby, and that’s six players who could have been targets for the Chiefs this offseason that are no longer going to be available.

The only silver lining here is that since the Ravens have used their franchise tag designation, we can now go after linebacker Bart Scott with reckless abandon. He’s pretty much a must-sign free agent target for the Chiefs at this point. That’s my opinion, at least.

Addicts, what’s your take on Tag Thursday?

Chan Gailey is staying. I’m almost 100% certain that he’s going to retain his offensive coordinator job.

Clancy Pendergast and Gary Gibbs have been hired and one of the two, probably Gibbs, will be our defensive coordinator. Gibbs and Pendergast. Sound like a couple of NASCAR drivers.

I have a whole lot of thoughts on these moves and also want to further delve into the Boldin and Cassel situations, but since I’m completely dead I am going to leave this up as an open thread until I get around to it.

Addicts, sound off on the Chiefs’ coaching hires…

Todd Haley will receive $12 million over four seasons as Chiefs head coach, a source told the Kansas City Star…

Nine NFL teams will enter next season with new head coaches. Seven will be guided by rookie head coaches.

Haley will be the 11th head coach of the Chiefs. He replaces Herm Edwards, who was fired after three seasons.

There are some very important points to be made about the text I selected.

First off, we really wanted Todd Haley. $3 million a pop is pretty good money. Even though it is what John Harbaugh, Mike Smith and Tony Sparano got last year, it still makes him tied for 10th among NFL coaches. Given his salary and that we waited all the way until after the Super Bowl and then got a deal done in a mere five days, I’d say that Haley was the guy all along.

Seven rookie coaches out of nine. Ladies and gentleman, it’s a trend for a reason. That reason? It’s working! Look at the years Harbaugh, Smith, Sparano, Tomlin and Whisenhunt had last year. Then look at the years Dungy, Edwards, Gruden, Holmgren, Shanahan and Turner had. The first-time coaches all improved over the previous year. Meanwhile, the retreads all got worse.

People always talk about retread quarterbacks in Kansas City, but what about retread coaches? I know Gunther Cunningham wasn’t one, but I never thought he was cut out to be a head coach. Given the youth and hunger of both our players and front office, Haley is a perfect match.

Our 11th coach. That’s saying something, folks. Let’s celebrate! After all, it’s not every day that you get a new coach, let alone one whose offense just miracled the lowly Cardinals into the Super Bowl.

Addicts, sound off on Todd Haley, the Chiefs new coach!

FOXSports.com has learned that the Chiefs offered the position to Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley and he has accepted. They are now trying to work out terms of a contract agreement.

This offseason has been like Christmas for me.

Fire Carl Peterson? Check!

Fire Herm “Harm” Edwards? Check!

Hire Scott Pioli? Check!

Hire Todd Haley? Check!

Tomorrow, when the ink has dried and this thing is official, we will be the envy of the league. We now have the hottest young coordinator in the game as our head coach to go along with the hottest young executive, an estimated $40 million in cap room and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Haley seems to be loved, respected and even feared by his players, and I think his football knowledge might even exceed his people skills. That was definitely not the case with one Herman Edwards.

Even if Chan Gailey is retained as offensive coordinator — and I don’t expect him to be — this is a clear message to the fans and the rest of the league. That message? That the Chiefs are only looking one way — forward.

Pro Football Talk discusses an interesting thought — Kurt Warner to the Chiefs?

If Haley ends up taking the job, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Chiefs make a play for Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in three weeks.

I had previously speculated a trade for Matt Leinart, but obviously the folks over at PFT expect the Cards to keep Leinart and let Warner walk. Yes, even after taking them to their first ever Super Bowl. You didn’t think that one little Super Bowl would make Bill Bidwell stop being cheap, did you? For a minute there, yeah, I sort of did.

But it’s a thought. We sign Warner and draft a young quarterback. We let Warner play and tutor the young QB until he’s ready to go. He was a pretty good mentor for Eli Manning, and I’m sure he helped out Leinart quite a bit. With some other moves, the Chiefs would be AFC West contenders immediately. In part because the AFC West is that bad, but also because Warner would combine with Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez to form one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL. And, remember, there’s always that Michael Crabtree guy, too.

We’ll keep an eye on Leinart and Warner, especially now that the Patriots have franchised Matt Cassel and are rumored to be asking for two firsts in exchange for him. Yikes!

As for Haley, this is the Chiefs big second step forward towards success. We know that he and Pioli work well together. We know that the Chiefs are going to have a potent offense soon — look what Haley built in the desert in a mere two years. What the Chiefs need to do now is bring in a good defensive coordinator and pounce on defensive free agents when the market opens. As an offensive guy, Haley will need a strong D coordinator and some more talent on that side of the ball. I don’t expect him or Pioli to neglect those needs.

This is a great day in Chiefs history, fellow Addicts. I think we got the best hungry, young coach out there, and I expect him to be a perfect match for our hungry, young front office and nucleaus. Welcome to Kansas City, Todd Haley. We’re thrilled to have you!

(After what he did today, L.J. will no longer be seen in a Chiefs jersey in any new post on this site. Period. That’s a promise. – Adam)

Well, gang, Larry Johnson still wants out of Kansas City despite newly hired GM Scott Pioli.  Larry Johnson went into depth about how he feels about the city and the Chiefs in a 23-minute interview on KCSP 610 radio on Wednesday.

Johnson says:

“I’d rather just play somewhere else. This is a rebuilding team. I dont’ really think that I belong on this rebuilding team. It’s just the way the league works. I’ve done what I’ve done for Kansas City. I’m not getting no younger, and the team is getting younger. So I’m not sure I fit in the scheme of things. I never felt like I was in the scheme of things anyways. Everyone wants to do it the hard way, or you can do it the easy way.”

In the interview Larry goes on to talk about the fans of Kansas City saying that he gets boo’ed when out at sporting events or in the public.

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First, it looks like the Rooney Rule has been addressed:

In fact, yesterday Chiefs Chairman of the Board Clark Hunt told a local radio station that he was pleased with the candidates that had been interviewed so far, and that the Chiefs were in compliance with the Rooney Rule. That was the first indication that any candidate had actually met with Pioli.

I hear and read a lot of bitching about this rule, but, personally, I’m glad it exists. I don’t want my beloved NFL to end up like D1 college football. I’d say that black NCAA players comprise 60% of D1 rosters. Despite that, only three coaches out of 117 are black? That’s .03 percent! In an era where two of the past three Super Bowl Champion’s coaches have been black, that’s an embarrassment.

Herman Edwards was a bad coach, but bad coaches come in all shapes, sizes and colors. .03 percent when we have a black President? I mean, college football is behind the rest of the country. No doubt about it. I’m glad the Rooney Rule is still intact. We don’t want the NFL to end up with the lack of diversity currently displayed by the NCAA.

Now on to bigger news. Athan also discussed Chan Gailey staying on as offensive coordinator.

If reports are accurate that Pioli wants Chan Gailey to remain offensive coordinator, then Haley would also have to accept the fact that most of his offensive coaching staff is already in place. To our knowledge, none of the Chiefs’ offensive coaches have interviewed for other positions outside of quarterbacks coach Dick Curl, who was hired by the Rams last week.

This is speculative, and even if it is true we’re still not sure if it’s a dealbreaker and Pioli is demanding it, or if it is just an option he is keeping open.

Contrary to popular belief around these parts, I don’t hate Chan. I love my Chiefs, so I fight for my Chiefs with all my heart. That being said, both my brain and my gut tell me that Gailey getting hired as our head coach would be doomsday for our beloved Red and Gold. I just don’t believe he has the temperament to come in here, kick ass, inspire these kiddies and lead them in a new direction.

Also, sure, he made chicken salad out of chicken sh** last year (even though the Arrowspread only won him one game). But he could never quite make a five-star meal out of the finest ingredients back when he was head coach of the Cowboys. I want a head chef, Chief rather, in our kitchen who can whip those ingredients together and cook a meal that would make even Emeril show his “O face.” Not sure Todd Haley can deliver that, but I believe he’s got a great shot. Just judging by history, I’m 90% Gailey wouldn’t be able to.

Much more to come…

The Chiefs have received permission from the Arizona Cardinals to interview Todd Haley for their head coaching vacancy, sources said.

It was unclear when or where the meeting between Haley and Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli will take place…

Music to my ears. All we need is a Rooney Rule candidate. I wish we could interview Leslie Frazier and make him associate head coach along with defensive coordinator, but I’m not sure that has any chance of happening. Kind of a lateral move for him when he’s close to being a head coach. Same with Ron Rivera. With Winston Moss not yet a coordinator, maybe we could pull off that trick with him? It’s a thought.

Stay tuned for more news on the seemingly imminent Haley hiring. Big thanks to long-time reader Jeremy for posting this in the comments so quickly.

It’s not everyday that you get to write about your boyhood idol being elected into the Hall of Fame. But that’s exactly what I get to do today. I’ve been running around my pad, doing the tomahawk chant and chop all day long. It should have never, ever taken this long, but now the best pure speed pass-rusher to every lace ‘em up is getting his bust in Canton.

I’m not going to write about the stats. Anybody can do that and everybody will. Derrick Thomas was my hero — I owe him more than that. Besides, his stats only tell half the story. Roughly a year ago, all of us Addicts voted him the COAT (Chief of All Time). There’s a reason for that.

You know that essential team identity thing I always write and talk about? D.T. gave the Chiefs team of the 90s that. He was what Larry Fitzgerald is to the Cardinals. What Ray Lewis is to the Ravens. He filled opponents’ hearts with fear and the hearts of Chiefs fans’ with fire. Like Lawrence Taylor, D.T. caused opposing offenses to dramatically alter their gameplans. The way he fired up the crowd altered offensive gameplans as well.

Arrowhead is the loudest stadium in the NFL, but it was at its loudest when Derrick was rocking the place. I’ve never seen a football player capable of hyping up the crowd the way he did. Sure, he had the uncanny ability to take over games late with his pass-rushing ability. It wasn’t just the way he took over games, though. D.T. communicated to the Arrowhead crowd with his body. He was in sync with us, and we were in sync with him. Derrick talked to us, and when he did it was sweeter than the sweetest lullaby our mothers ever sung to us.

For those of you who never saw Derrick play, he worked us into a fan frenzy. Like a Dante Hall kick return TD on Red Bull. Like Jared Allen roping the calf on steroids. With him on one side doing his thing, and Neil Smith swinging on the other — damn, that was beautiful.

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Update (5 PM CT): Anyone who would like to submit a post sharing their Derrick Thomas memories, please send it to arrowheadaddict@gmail.com and I will feature it on the site.

Choked up and misty eyed as I write this, it’s my pleasure to break the news to you that the late, great Derrick Thomas — Kansas City Chiefs great, winner of our COAT tourney and the greatest pass-rusher to ever live — has just made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. All three of us Best boys are going to Canton — are you? D.T. was one of my boyhood heroes, so this might be my favorite Chiefs memory of all time.

YES! THE VOTERS FINALLY WOKE UP! Much more to come on D.T.’s big day. For now, all I know is that if there was ever a reason for Chiefs fans to party on Super Bowl weekend during my lifetime, this is that moment!

Links:

• Derrick Thomas Front Page Splash – KCChiefs.com
• Derrick Thomas elected to Hall of Fame – The Kansas City Star
• Derrick Thomas is in the Hall of Fame – Arrowhead Pride
• Derrick Thomas Profile – Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Derrick Thomas’ legacy is sealed – ESPN
• It’s About Time – Bob Gretz
  

The days of torture in America are over. Just days after Barack Obama made the executive order to shut down Guantanamo Bay, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli made one to shut down Herm Edwards. Most of us are jumping for joy, knowing that this coaching imposter can never “Harm” us again with his unique brand of torture. But…

Like with Gitmo, the Chiefs have to make sure they clean up the mess without making things worse.

I think Scott Pioli is up to the task. I like how he’s handling things so far. He appeased both his new boss and the fans in his handling of the Harm situation. Given that Clark Hunt wanted Herm to stay and most fans desperately wanted him to go, Holy Pioli played both sides masterfully. I agree with Jason Whitlock’s stance on this one. Joe Posnanski, get a grip, dude. No need to cry for Herm and his $3 million golden parachute. I wish life was that “cruel” to me. You don’t want to get fired? Then don’t go 6-26, you loser. If any of us were that unefficient at our jobs we’d get canned, too. What’s really cruel is that Chiefs fans like you and me splurged on Chiefs tickets and NFL Season Ticket only to be tortured by Hermball.

Anyway, in order to fix this mess, Pioli must first find the right head coach.

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Thank you Scott Pioli, thank you Clark Hunt.

The best part may be that we never have to see the confused look at the scoreboard again.

There are talks that the Chiefs are near a deal with former rival Denver coach Mike Shanahan.

Check back for much more on this breaking news.

What a great start to the weekend!

Gunther was great during his first run as D.C., but never quite recaptured the magic during his second stint. In fact, we might as well have kept Greg Robinson on board. Old Gun’s defense became a National punchline this year after losing star defensive end Jared Allen, registering an all-time NFL low 10 sacks. Thanks for all the good times, Gunther, but like Herman Edwards you’ve more than worn out your welcome.

Speaking of Harm, when your D.C. jumps ship without getting fired that is never a good sign.

From The Kansas City Star:

Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham took the same job today with the Detroit Lions.

He is the third Chiefs assistant coach to flee since the end of the season, joining secondary coach David Gibbs and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. Gibbs went to Houston, Priefer to Denver.

Detroit’s new head coach, Jim Schwartz, and Cunningham worked together with the Tennessee Titans during the three seasons between the time Cunningham was fired as Chiefs head coach and rehired as their defensive coordinator.

Addicts, sound of on Gunther Cunningham’s departure…

NBC Sports analyst Cris Collinsworth expects Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley to become the Chiefs’ next head coach.

“I think he’ll be the coach in Kansas City,” Collinsworth told me Tuesday on a teleconference.

“I’m watching what’s happening with all the (new) coaches, and we’ve seen some of the defensive coaches come off the board, and the one guy nobody is talking about that has surprised me, and it’s because (the Cardinals) flew so far under the radar screen, was Haley. He’s not under the radar screen anymore.

Much, much more to come on my man Haley.

The good news?

Step 1. Lure Scott Pioli away from the New England Patriots to run the Chiefs football operations.

That was a success as Pioli is now officially the Kansas City Chiefs Head of Football Operations.

That bad news?

Step 2. Pioli hires Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to be our head coach.

Not going to happen. Those dispicable Denver Broncos beat us to the punch. Then again, with the lack of haste to get Pioli in office, maybe McD was never the guy.

Regardless, the old Blueprint hit masterfully on No. 1, but careened of the tracks on No. 2. That being said, to quote Jay-Z, “The Blueprint 2, baby, on the way…”

The Blueprint 2K9 V2: New York State of Mind

Step 1: Pioli hires New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as the Kansas City Chiefs’ new head coach.

(Again, Herm Edwards getting canned is a no-brainer. No need to waste keystrokes.)

With McD off the board, we turn our attention to the best available candidate, and one who has a more extensive portfolio. As most of our talent lies on the offensive side of the ball, a defensive-minded coach could work out perfectly. Just look at what Tony Dungy did up in Naptown. I like everything about Spagnuolo, from his intensity to his communication skills. He would be a great fit for the next chapter of Chiefs football.

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Just got this scoop from Michael Lombardi’s National Football Post e-mailed to me. Halle-effin’-lujah!

Sources close to the National Football Post have just informed us that former New England Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli has agreed to become the next General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. Pioli won the George Young NFL Executive of the Year award in 2004 and 2005. He will be replacing Carl Peterson.

ESPN is now reporting this, too (hat tip: Arrowhead Pride).

Personally, I think things lie somewhere in the middle. Negotiations are taking place and moving along somewhat steadily, but nothing is quite imminent. We all know by now that Hunt moves with the speed of a Special Olympics hurdler when it comes to personnel moves. So, let’s all take a deep breath and exercise some patience before Chiefs Nation’s collective head explodes.

Still, I wonder what the ripple effect of the Broncos hiring Josh McDaniels will be. If Pioli wanted McD to by his man, then that’s going to be another big obstacle that must be overcome.

Once thought to be the Chiefs’ leading candidate, now there is no doubt: Pioli is their man, according to an NFL source. Perhaps more important, Pioli’s interest in the Chiefs and a potential new career challenge has grown. All that stands in the way is hashing out a contract agreement, or perhaps a late pitch from the Patriots (who lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the Broncos yesterday as head coach), or a last-minute change of heart from Pioli. All scenarios remained in play as of early last night, but as reported in yesterday’s Globe, the intensity of talks between Pioli and the Chiefs has increased within the last 24-48 hours. Word out of Kansas City continues to be that the possibility of the sides coming together is picking up momentum. The key has been the comfort level between Pioli, Hunt, and team president Denny Thum.

Mangini, fired last week by the Jets, agreed to a four-year deal, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com’s Michael Smith on Wednesday.

Mangini will be introduced at a Thursday news conference at the team’s headquarters in Berea, Ohio, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because Mangini’s contract has not been finalized.

As a result, our Chiefs are likely the sole survivor when it comes to the Pioli sweepstakes. From Red Zone:

With Cleveland reportedly deciding on former Jets coach Eric Mangini to replace Romeo Crennel, that makes it far less likely that New England personnel man Scott Pioli will end up as the Browns’ general manager.

Pioli reportedly wants to hire his own people and, if nothing else, make his own decision on the direction of the team that hires him. There are few bigger directional shifts than a coaching change, and the Cleveland job probably just lost much of its luster for a man who appears eager to make his own name and establish a team’s future.

The latest report (from 610, via Arrowhead Pride) is that Scott Pioli and the Chiefs are currently haggling over two things: money and control. Hopefully, they are just negotiating amounts, and this will be a done deal sooner than later. As always, stay tuned…

The Kansas City Star will have live audio for those of you outside the area if you want to tune in.

Will Carl be a Dolphin soon?  Rumors have been circulating after his apearance on the sidelines last week of the Dolphin game that he could be in line to replace Parcells or work in some other capacity.  Maybe we will get some insight into these issues.  Either way its another page being turned in Chiefs history despite mixed feelings about the formerly longest-tenured GM in pro sports.

(Thanks to Chris for reporting this! I wanted to chime in and get an official thread going…)

It looks like Clark Hunt has finally ditched the glasses and put on the cape! Will he end up being super as an owner? I’m not sure, but at least now we know that he wants to win. Apparently, he is looking to do exactly what I recommended him to do less than 24 hours ago — clean house. Any new GM is going to want to bring in their own coach (or perhaps also be the coach). Herm Edwards is toast!!! I’m honestly more happy about that then Carl Peterson‘s resignation. At least King Carl accomplished some things while he was with the Chiefs.

We thank Carl Peterson for everything he did for the Chiefs franchise. Soon, hopefully, we will thank Harm for the upcoming top draft pick and a slew of dumbass quotes to laugh at. What a day!

Addicts, feel free to let loose about today’s big news. Christmas hit 10 days early, baby!

Here’s what Adam Teicher and the KC Star had to say about the move:

Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson resigned today effective at the end of the season.

“On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization, I want to thank Carl for his two decades of service to the Chiefs,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. “Both Carl and I agreed that immediately initiating the search for the next Chiefs general manager would be the best thing for the future of the organization, and he will be resigning following the 2008 season.’’

Hunt said the search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. Vice President Denny Thum will serve as the Chiefs interim president and general manager.

I’m at a complete loss for words right now. This is the sign we’ve all been waiting for since Clark Hunt took the reigns after the original Mr. Hunt passed on.

How do you feel Chiefs Nation??