The ax has swung yet again, this time claiming now-former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.
Haley, 44, led the Chiefs to a 5-8 record this season and a 19-26 mark since taking over as head coach in 2009. His Chiefs made it to the playoffs last season, Kansas City’s first trip since 2006 and just their third postseason berth since 1998.
“This was a difficult decision, but one that we feel is best for the future of the Chiefs,” chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said on the team’s website. “Although there have been bright spots at different points this season, we have not made meaningful progress and we felt that it was necessary to make a change. We appreciate Todd’s contributions during his time with the club, and we wish him well in the future.”
“Todd helped this team in many valuable ways over the past three seasons, and I am thankful for his contributions,” general manager Scott Pioli said. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to establish the kind of consistency we need to continue to build a strong foundation for the future and we believe a change is important at this time.”
The Chiefs won four straight games after starting the year 0-3, but a midseason injury to quarterback Matt Cassel essentially ended their chances at competing in the AFC West.
The move is hardly surprising, as a 37-10 loss to the Jets on Sunday prompted a Kansas City Star column to write that Haley’s days in K.C. were numbered.
