Former Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham has passed away at the age of 72
By Matt Conner
Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach/defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham reportedly passed away over the weekend at the age of 72.
The Kansas City Chiefs and National Football League suffered a big loss over the weekend with the reported news that longtime defensive coach Gunther Cunningham passed away after a brief illness at the age of 72.
Cunningham served as head coach for the Chiefs in 1999-2000 and was the team’s defensive coordinator for two long stretches: from 1995-1998 and then again in 2005-2008. Under his leadership, the Chiefs went 16-16 over two seasons before he was replaced by Dick Vermeil in 2001. Cunningham’s defenses were ranked in the top 10 twice during his tenure, including a No. 2 overall showing in 1995, his first season with the team.
Clark Hunt released the following statement to the media:
"“My family and I are deeply saddened to hear the news of Gunther’s passing. During his nine seasons as defensive coordinator and two as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he led some of the most feared defenses in our franchise’s history with his energetic and motivating coaching style. Gunther made a tremendous impact on so many lives on and off the playing field in nearly five decades of coaching. Our heartfelt condolences go out to René, Natalie, Adam and the entire Cunningham family during this difficult time.”"
Cunningham got his start in coaching back at Oregon, his own alma mater, as a defensive line coach in 1969. He would continue coaching in one capacity or another through the 2016 season, when he was a senior coaching assistant with the Detroit Lions. That’s an incredible legacy of 47 years of coaching at the college and professional football levels.
Cunningham was particularly familiar with the AFC West during his professional career. Not only was he a fixture in Kansas City for over a decade total, but he also spent six years as the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers and four seasons with the Oakland Raiders as a positional coach and defensive coordinator. It’s surprising that he never got another look as head coach given his .500 record.
After word of his passing hit the news wires, it wasn’t long until some of his colleagues were weighing in on Twitter.
Statement from the Detroit Lions on the passing of Gunther Cunningham pic.twitter.com/Flky2p2K9q
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 13, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of one of the best coaches in the game, Gunther Cunningham. I went against him & his defense in practice everyday for 4yrs with the KC & it definitely made me a better player. He was intense & took it personally if you had any success vs his unit!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) May 13, 2019
Sad to hear about my coach Gunther Cunningham. He was my first D coordinator for 4 years with the chiefs. Helped me create a strong foundation that lasted 10 years after coaching me. My Prayers goes out to his wife and family. 🙏🏾
— Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) May 13, 2019
Sad to hear about the passing of Gunther Cunningham. The @Chiefs ex-HC/DC might’ve had the biggest impact on me as a player/future coach. He taught me the value of trust and communication between coach and player. Not to mention, he showed me how aggressiveness wins. #RIPGun pic.twitter.com/v5hpXj1Yo4
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) May 13, 2019
It hurts my heart to hear we’ve lost Gunther Cunningham. He may have come off as tough, but that was because he cared. Gun believed in me when many didn’t, and kept pushing me. For that I am forever grateful. My prayers are with the Cunningham family.
— T W (@t_dub1990) May 13, 2019
Was sad to learn of the passing of my friend, Gunther Cunningham.
— Jeff Fisher (@CoachJeffFisher) May 13, 2019
I had the honor to coach with him & against him. You’ll never meet another man with such a passion for people, family & football. We will miss him deeply. Our thoughts & prayers are with Rene and the family. pic.twitter.com/xvIOs5x1vt
Heartbroken over the loss of my friend Gunther Cunningham. I never knew anyone who loved football the way he did.
— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) May 13, 2019
The @PFWAwriters Association just announced that long-time NFL coach Gunther Cunningham passed away Saturday at the age of 72. Well-respected defensive coach who was @Chiefs head coach from 1999-2000. #RIP
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) May 13, 2019
Gunther Cunningham was one of the giants in the coaching profession, and a true gentleman, teacher and leader. RIP. https://t.co/oEFiTPjICc
— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) May 13, 2019
Saddened about Gunther Cunningham, a good man. He was fierce, bright, passionate and loyal. All heart. His was a life well lived. Rest in peace.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) May 13, 2019
So sad to learn of the passing of Gunther Cunningham. I learned much from him during the three years he spent on Jeff Fisher’s staff and he was a good man. #Chiefs #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 13, 2019
#RIP
— Will Blackmon 🍷 (@WillBlackmon) May 13, 2019
Coach Gunther Cunningham
🙏🏾 🏈
I was really close to leaving journalism a few years back. Gunther Cunningham caught word and pulled me aside in a press box on the road and told me I would be making a big mistake. His opinion mattered to me and meant a lot. He will go down as one of my favorites to cover.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 13, 2019
RIP Gunther Cunningham
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) May 13, 2019
Gunther once walked back to the bench on the first day of the Senior Bowl years ago and launched into a 3-minute, profanity-laced tirade about Gatorade flavors
There was not another like him