The Romeo Has Landed
From the Truman Sports Complex
Romeo Crennel was in the Chiefs offices on Thursday, meeting with his new boss Todd Haley and talking about defensive personnel with his old buddy Scott Pioli.
We know that not because Crennel was seen by the media horde, but because the newest Chiefs coach told us so over a conference call hookup.
“I’m physically here in Kansas City,” Crennel said from the second floor of the Chiefs offices, to the media on the first floor. “I’m here in the office and we have been meeting on defensive personnel. We are talking about the defensive players strong points and weak points.”
Why Crennel could not meet face-to-face with the scribblers, yakkers and hairdos is just another one of those “Patriot’s Way” methods that supposedly has something to do with winning championships. Nevertheless, whether it was in person or over the phone, Crennel made it plain that he was quite happy to be finally signing on with the Chiefs and Haley.
“I feel really good about being able to come in and help build this program,” said Crennel. “I know many of the guys on this staff. I know who they are and how they coach, how competitive they are. I want to work with guys like that.
“The relationship that Todd and I have that started back in New York; I saw him develop as a young coach and grow in this profession. Now, he’s sitting here in charge of this program and I’m excited about helping him grow this.”
Crennel and Haley worked together on Bill Parcells coaching staff with the New York Jets for three seasons (1997-99). Haley acknowledged what everyone has known, that he wanted to hire Crennel last year when he was hired.
“Romeo chose to sit out last year and take a deep breath and now this year he’s decided to push his chips back in so to speak,” said Haley. “I jumped at the opportunity to make him part of my staff. He’s one of three great coaches in my mind and a guy I’ve looked up to since I’ve known him.”
Added Crennel, who said his decision last year was based on hip replacement surgery that he underwent last February: “That breath has filled my lungs, enthusiasm is up, energy is up. My hip there is no pain in it. I feel really good.”
The holder of five Super Bowl rings during his coaching time with the Giants and Patriots, Crennel said he had not watched a lot of football this past fall because his wife Rosemary had him “twisted up” for family time, but he did see the Chiefs victory over Denver and was impressed with the hustle and effort he saw from the players.
“Those guys did a great job in that last game,” said Crennel. “You know when you are in a situation where you are not winning players can toss it in at just about any point. I was impressed with the way they played. I think there is a good young nucleus, but we have to add some players.”
Crennel leaves Kansas City on Thursday evening for Orlando, where he will coach the East team in the East-West Shrine Game on January 23rd.
Other news items from the afternoon:
- The Chiefs defense will work out of a base 3-4 scheme, but Crennel allowed that it would change from game-to-game, based on the opponent.
- Crennel said if another opportunity to become a head coach comes along again, he would be interested. But he added he’s putting his energy at this time only in to being the Chiefs defensive coordinator.
- Clancy Pendergast remains on Haley’s coaching staff and the head coach said they were discussing what his duties will be, but he’ll be coaching a position. Pendergast handled the secondary last year along with being the coordinator.
- LB coach Gary Gibbs is staying with the team.
“Why Crennel could not meet face-to-face with the scribblers, yakkers and hairdos is just another one of those “Patriot’s Way” methods that supposedly has something to do with winning championships.”
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that many reporters ask obvious and often dumbass, pointless questions?
No offense intended to you personally, Bob. My remark is just in general.
Less hassle if on a time schedule as well. Turn on the phone – begin. Hang up the phone – done. No follow ups, no hassle. I don’t have a problem with it. Wish I could do meetings like that.
Perhaps he had better things to do than meet face to face with the moronic KC media.
Bob, you sound more like Whitlock every day. That’s not very smart, and I’m telling you it won’t lead to better readership numbers for your blog here.
The media in general in this country take themselves way too seriously. Sure they have a role to play, but like politicians they’re not half the asset they see themselves as being.
I have to agree that is seems strange not to walk downstairs to meet face to face, but I would also agree it’s not a big deal, just seems a little silly to call downstairs rather than walk down there. Either way, I’m glad Romeo is on board. I had thought all along that Clancy would have been the DB coach had Romeo joined them last year. I wonder how comfortable he’ll be staying on after a “demotion”, even though the writing was on the wall and he was probably told this would happen last year when he took the job.
Bob I know you don’t like how Pioli/Haley handles the media sometimes the way they have their secreacy about the organization but if it brings writing more columns about winning season you’ll get over it trust me. I think one thing people need to consider in this hiring. This hiring will not only have a huge impact on the defense as a whole, but the one position that we needed improvement the most defensive line.
With Dorsey and Jackson making well over a 100 million dollars on their contract Crennel will help in their developement into becoming great players. So this hiring really made sense for Haley. Also it will help bring along Magee as well. Don’t forget Crennel was a defensive line coach before becoming the def. coordinator so he’ll have a close eye on those guys development much like Haley has with receivers. Big hiring the Chiefs are having a winning offseason for sure. Now we need to add the players come April and all the way thru presesaon.
Ed, you are soooo right!!! It sounds like we can look for Crennel to get the most out of our DL billion$$$ draft picks, just as Weis should improve our $62million quarterback, and utilize J Charles as we never could have imagined. I can’t wait to see who our nose-tackle is next year. It seems like this is the biggest news in the changing of the guard that we have seen. Assuming that Pioli is the grandfather to it all! thanks BOB for sharing your talent.
Stiv says:
“Perhaps he had better things to do than meet face to face with the moronic KC media. The media, in general, in this country take themselves way too seriously. Sure they have a role to play, but like politicians they’re not half the assets they see themselves as being.”
SO VERY TRUE! I like the way you think.
I am very excited about this offseason. It’s gonna be like waiting for Christmas to come. I believe the whole reason they do the conference call thing so there is no video of it so it doesn’t get on ESPN and make big headlines. Not like this is something that needs to be under the radar, I just believe that it’s the process they are trying to set in place – only give out the info that you absolutely have to – make the other teams work for the rest.
JB
I don’t care if there is a parade, a band and a press conference. Or maybe a conference call from a fancy office on the 64th floor. Or maybe even a call from the toilet at the gas station on a pre-paid phone. I just want some more wins, and more intensity in the players effort. We are making progress and that is what matters.
Just remember… it is all about the TEAM….
and the right 53!!!
In Haley I trust……..now you should too!!