Clark Hunt explains decision to fire John Dorsey

Clark Hunt met with the Kansas City media on Monday to discuss the firing of John Dorsey and other details around recent changes with the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs leadership answered a lot of questions on Monday in response to numerous changes in recent months. From the firing of General Manager John Dorsey to the extension of Head Coach Andy Reid to the release of Jeremy Maclin to the hiring of Brett Veach as the new GM, the Chiefs have endured an odd offseason.

Clark Hunt was the first to take the stand before Veach’s introductory presser. From the outset, Hunt explained his process saying, “It was a difficult decision but after a thorough evaluation of our footbal operations, I felt it was in the best long-term interest of the Chiefs to make a change.” He also said he would not say anything negative about Dorsey or the job that he did.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect,” added Hunt about Dorsey.

Hunt explained that he became aware of “enough issues” over the course of the spring that made him want to “do a full evaluation of the football department” before handing out a contract extension to either Dorsey or Reid. As he conducted that evaluation, he referred to several unsaid issues that caused him to want to make a change—as in to not offer Dorsey a new contract. It was then that Dorsey asked for permission to go ahead and leave now rather than finish the current season.

Hunt also said that he never once entered into contract negotiations with Dorsey on a new deal, quelling the rumor that Dorsey’s financial demands played any role in his firing or letting go. He also dealt with rumors that Andy Reid had a part in it, saying the decision was his alone, although he said, “Obviously I talked to Andy on a regular basis.”

Hunt admitted that he hasn’t spoken with Dorsey since delivering the news that he would not be extending his contract.

Dorsey remains a free agent himself as a GM even after several weeks since leaving Kansas City.