What Happened With Chan Gailey?
From the Truman Sports Complex
There are two ways to look at what went down Monday morning with the dismissal of Chan Gailey as the Chiefs offensive coordinator:
- The Chiefs are in total disarray and the firing of the offensive coordinator just 13 days before the regular season opener is the tip of the iceberg to the Chiefs troubles.
- Todd Haley went ahead and pulled off the band-aid, unwilling to soldier on with a situation that he knew wasn’t going to work.
No matter whether Gailey’s firing comes from one of those reasons or possibly another, it sure seems like we now have a better understanding of why the Chiefs offense has struggled so much. In fact, there has not been a time the Chiefs have been on the field in 2009, whether OTAs, mini-camps, training camp or three pre-season games, where the offense has been efficient and productive.
How much of the blame for that should fall on Gailey and how much should fall on the talent level of the offensive players is a point that can be debated. Last year, Gailey did a remarkable job of making something out of nothing with the Chiefs offense when both Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard went down. The new personnel folks led by GM Scott Pioli did not add a single playmaker to the roster at wide receiver, running back or tight end. In fact, Pioli traded away the team’s leading receiver in TE Tony Gonzalez. It’s essentially the same cast of characters that the now former offensive coordinator had to deal with last year.
So it’s hard to see where Gailey should be blamed for an offense that’s averaging 288.3 yards per game in the ‘09 pre-season, with only two touchdowns and a total of 33 points for the team.
Haley decided over the weekend that he wasn’t willing to go forward with the arrangement where Gailey constructed the game plan and then called the plays. While the head coach would not go into specifics, it’s apparent that the schism with Gailey had less to do with the statistics from three pre-season games and more to do with approach, outlook and attitude.
“Ultimately the fate of this team, the accountability falls to me,” said Haley. “It just became more apparent to me that I had to be more involved. I have to do what I think is best for this team now and into the future.”
Haley said he spoke over the weekend with both Pioli and chairman Clark Hunt about the move and that it was the toughest decision he’s had to make since becoming a head coach.
“It was a very difficult decision for me,” Haley said. “I think the world of Chan Gailey as a coach. As a person, there is none better … After going through three pre-season games, a lot of OTAs and a lot of practices in training camp; it just became more apparent to me that I had to be more involved.”
Gailey released a statement through the Chiefs on Monday afternoon:
“There’s never great timing for situations like this. However, Todd has to do what’s best for the team and for the future of the Chiefs. I respect that. It didn’t work out for us, but I certainly think that he has a very fine offensive mind and I feel very fortunate to have worked for the Chiefs these past two years. I look forward to seeing how I might be able to help the franchise in the near future in other areas.”
Haley said there was not one thing, incident or situation that convinced him that a change was necessary.
“Once you get into the game situations and things start to pick up, you start to see maybe more that you didn’t see (before),” said Haley. “I don’t want to get into philosophical thoughts and those things. Chan has obviously proven himself in the league as a position coach, coordinator, been a head coach. That wouldn’t be fair to get in and try to pin down.
“At this time, I felt it was something that had to be done for the best of the team.”
There’s no question that the timing of this decision is bad. The regular-season opener is less than two weeks away, the starting quarterback is injured and his status remains unknown as Haley refused to talk about Matt Cassel or any of the players who suffered injuries in last Saturday’s game against Seattle.
“To me it was better now than to go into the regular season,” said Haley. “This was the time that was best.”
Haley will handle the play calling and game planning, as well as be the quarterbacks coach. If that sounds like a full plate along with his head coaching duties, it is. Most teams would have three people handling the position of head coach-offensive coordinator-quarterbacks coach.
“I’ve got some time under my belt and realizing what I have to do and what I’m going to be responsible for week in and week out,” Haley said. “I’m able to map out in my mind whether I could handle it or not handle it. Obviously, we are going in this direction, you know how I feel.”
Offensive quality control coach Nick Sirianni will also work with the quarterbacks, as he did during Monday’s practice. It also looks like assistant GM Joel Collier will help out with the position.
“My number one job is to coach the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Haley. “Right now I feel like the offensive needs a little more attention.”
re: said Haley. “Right now I feel like the offensive needs a little more attention.”
———————————————–
said Me. “Right now I feel like the entire franchise and its key leaders need a LOT more attention on consistency in all phases.”
Ohh! boy its going to be roller coaster ride.
Thank you chan gailey for rescuing the chiefs from Herm’s r2p2, and making the 2008 season at least partially viewable with the pistol.
Thanks for making an offense nearly double the points per game with an innacurate 3rd string qb. You proved your ability to turn someone like Kordell Stewart into a probowl qb was no fluke.
“Haley will handle the play calling and game planning, as well as be the quarterbacks coach. If that sounds like a full plate along with his head coaching duties, it is.”
- he’s bound & determined alright; not sure of what…
Reminds Rin of former BALT Colts LB Mike Curtis who, according to his then team/roommate C Bill Curry, would “grasp the bed & force himself to lay there until he went to sleep no matter what it took.” Stubborn, dense, committed (or should be.)
“Most teams would have three people handling the position of head coach-offensive coordinator-quarterbacks coach.”
- how’s that old judicial adage go: a man who represents himself has a fool for a client… ought to be quite entertaining. I give till game 5 vs the DALL Cowboys/AFL Throwback contest to implode/throw his headset at a ref…
“Offensive quality control coach Nick Sirianni will also work with the quarterbacks”
- hey! Dick ‘Father Time’ Curl returns – only this time he’s all wet behind the ears; will be
a smashing success, no doubt…
“It also looks like assistant GM Joel Collier will help out with the position.”
- hey! The Asst. GM is gonna help out too! Maybe if Denny Thum had worked with Damon Huard et al, last year…
daddy-o
Sounds like Todd Haley is the Donald Trump of the NFL. Therefore I am renaming him to Todd Trump from now on….. I was surprised Gailey was retained, this should have been done awhile ago…hopefully with the addeded workload, Todd Trump doesnt become like Gunther and burn himself out by mid season.
I can’t say I’m happy with where the Chiefs are right now, but I love the fact that the “new Cheifs” aren’t willing to go with status quo. If there is a problem, we’ll go out and pick up different players, and if the coaching isn’t working, we’ll make the needed changes there. Will it work, we shall see, but you’d never have seen Herm do that last year.
Accountability, people. I like it.
Haley is taking the bull by the balls. He’s got guts…you can’t deny that. But only time will tell if it’s a smart move, or not.
It could be a calculated move or just a move out of desperation.We can speculate all season what kind of move it was. But if the team starts winning,it’s all forgotten. Time will reveal to us whether it was a panic move or a well thought out move.
“Haley is taking the bull by the balls.”
Not advisable under most circumstances.
I think the message is that nobody is safe if results aren’t evident. That includes players and coaches. Haley knows ultimately he will be judged by the results and it seems he feels that if he’s going down, he’s going to be throwing the punches on the way. I agree with Scott. He made his bones on offense and we’ll all see the outcome but it’s going to be his call either way.
Bottom line is that we’re fretting over something that has been plainly obvious for a few years – we lack quality talent in too many places. All holes aren’t going to be filled in year one – or even two. Not every draft pick is going to pan out. NOBODY “hits” 100% of the time. He’s shaking things up! If they don’t improve, they’re making changes & bringing in somebody else – EXACTLY what many of us hoped for. No more BS in KC.
Doing this isn’t optimal, for sure BUT as Haley said, the fingers will point at him…
Anyone given any thought about just how Haley will operate during games. OCs have to keep their wits about them. They run plays just to set up other plays latter in the game and such. How is he going to do this and watch Spec. Teams or the defense? Haley want to sink or swim on his own merit, I just think he miscalucated this one. Chan may of needed to go but a good replacement should of been found. Just one guys opinion.
“I think the message is that nobody is safe if results aren’t evident. That includes players and coaches.”
- so long – we hardly knew ye – but we saw/twas enough…
“it seems he feels that if he’s going down, he’s going to be throwing the punches on the way.”
- oh he feels it – started by throwing a coach under the bus, next it will be players…going down ‘check’!
“Herm?’
Yeah Rin?”
“I’m a pickin’!”
“And I’m a grinnin’!”
& “Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh!!!”
ILChiefsFan says:
“Haley is taking the bull by the balls.”
“Not advisable under most circumstances.”
Very true. LMAO!
But…if he brings the bull to his knees, he’ll be a Hero.
Unfortunately…there’s also a good chance he’ll be trampled.
Haley out of respect for Chan gave him the opportunity to move the offense into high gear. Play calling or not Haley just can’t take the responsibility as coach when they lose, unless he is the one calling the shots.
He stated earlier that if the team loses he will be held accountable. He’s stepping up to the plate & ready to take on all comers. Good for him…
Like Johnfromfairfax stated if he goes down, he will be swinging. And I would be willing to bet that he won’t be pointing his finger at nobody but himself if that happens.
There is no resemblance to Hermy with this guy.
I think we have “the real deal” here Folks.
Go Chiefs!
schefter says feeling within kc organization is that Cassel will start in Baltimore!
I REALLY hope this is true, need to see if hes really the real deal.
I’d just put Brodie and Tyler in at the same time… with two footballs, two centers. No one will see the Hermbone offense comin!
I’m wondering if Haley is more comfortable in the offensive coordinator position and not so much in the head coach position. Maybe this is his way to tell Pioli that he wants to be OC and that Pioli should pick a new head coach.
Let me rephrase that… no one will see the Hermbone offense coming except for Rin, and only Rin!
- paradise is this close…
Gailey:
“I look forward to seeing how I might be able to help the franchise in the near future in other areas.”
Maybe Haley and Gailey are going to switch jobs. Gailey as the new HC and Haley as the new OC. Gailey has had way more experience with the running of a team.
Haley sucks!!! 0-3 in the preseason and he’s already panicking…LMFAO……Boy I would hate 2 see if we go 0-4 2 start the season, Haley might convince Pioli 2 be our starting nosetakle while he plays tightend and draw up plays in the sand! Go Chiefs in 2009 and Beyond!!!!!!
I have thought the Chiefs would only sign about 5 guys after the cuts. I bet we see closer to 8 maybe 10. He wants this team to have talent and he will get that talent in any way he can.
PFT just reported Zach Thomas will retire or be cut by the Chiefs. Things are heating up and again it confirms they are doing what they said they would do, increase competition in an effort to improve our team. If it’s true it also reaffirms that if you can’t perform you won’t be around long.
“I’ve got some time under my belt and realizing what I have to do and what I’m going to be responsible for week in and week out,” Haley said.
Wow if he has so much free time he should do some work… Stop picking up everyone elses left overs and evaluate for yourself…
Blake, most teams dont cut talent… More than likely the chiefs will pick up what they have already signed, Guicheck and Goff can the talent get any better??
The source of that story is Adam Schefter, considered one of the most reliable sources in sports reporting. The “doomers” will say the sky is falling but listen to what they say and watch what they do. So far they haven’t lied and are holding true to their formula.
Well there goes another player the new regime brought in for leadership and then didn’t work out… oh well he was a good dolphin…
Gailey firing just is result of a guy being held over because he was willing to follow suit with what the new regime wanted, but proved you can’t teach and old dogs new tricks. Eventually Haley will bring someone in hear to run the offense his way in 2010 season. For now he can get by one year with running the offense without burning himself out. Eventually next season will have someone that kind of sees things the way Haley philsophically as Haley would put it his way.
Best wishes to Chan. I actually think he’s a decent coordinator, but just doesn’t mesh with how Haley would like to see things done. No different from Arizona and Whisenhunt. He couldn’t find a coach this year that would call the plays the way him and Haley seem to want them ran. So he’s calling the plays this year also in Arizona. Like they’ll have a new coordinator next year in 2010 also.
“you can’t teach and old dogs new tricks.”
horrible analogy their Ed. What offensive scheme is Gailey beholden to? He is well known as an offensive innovator that shapes the offense to the abilities of his players. He proved that in 2008.
That being said, I have no problem with Haley calling the offense. I do have a problem, however, with Haley trying to do everything (HC, OC, QB coach). Some position group will suffer.
“I can take any 22 guys from off the street and go… 0-3. I can also coach the team, coach the QBs, call the plays, coordinate the offense and- wait a minute… where’s my keys?
I think he was just avoiding the controversy that was going to happen when he trumped Gailey’s calls in a game. Better to get it over with now. He will burn out a bit and hire someone next year I’m guessing. Doesn’t matter much for this year. A couple of better blockers would help much more.
No loss if Zack Thomas goes. How many tackles has he had as a Chief? He was a prayer. Corey Mays is an upgrade there. Can’t win with memories and dreams. Interesting with DJ and Page though. Not sure the injuries are the real problem.
“…there’s also a good chance he’ll be trampled.”
or gored.
If you watched Haley during the game it was obvious that he was not happy with someone. I thought that someone was Gailey all along. Not at all surprised Haley took over the offense. I disagree with Ed. I see Haley having a hard time working with anyone on the play calling. I think he will continue that as long as he is in KC. He will have to find someone else to coach the QBs however. Haley has a lot to learn as a Head Coach. We will see if he survives it.
Also they are keeping Chan around because they have to pay him. He might be an expensive towel boy
I am a Debbie Downer and a crybaby.
“Todd Trump from now on”
Hmm so we’re thinking he’s going to end up bankrupt at some point?
But Trump bounced back big time. It still amazes me how quickly we can throw Haley under the bus. I never like Herm from the day one. He could not get fired fast enough for me. I did not think he was HC material, GM maybe. Seemed like a snake oil salesman BUT I kept my big mouth shut until the end of his 2nd year. What a bunch of jerks.
hey alexthegreat, or whatever
0-4 in preseason gosh that would suck huh? much like 4-0 is GREAT!, oh wait, the lions went 4-0 last preseason….oh wait, so did the 1-15 chargers team….oh oh right then there is the 0-4 colts super bowl team…
preseason is a joke in terms of wins/losses.
No your man crush for Haley is a joke….and so is his coaching skills that we have witness thus far…….Go Chiefs in 2009 and Beyond!!!!!!!
alexthe”GREAT”,
Your sentence should read “and so ARE his coaching skills that we have witnessED”
Just thought you might like to know.
I’m a douchebag.
Wow, a Head Coach that takes responsibility and accountabilty on HIMSELF, instead of ducking it at all times. What a pleasant change.
“What Happened With Chan Gailey?”
- he got eaten – swallowed whole by s ego (with help from his gluttony-mate, Egoli too.)
&
Too bad this couldn’t have happenned earlier but eventually this was going to happen because of their philosophies. Haley remembers what Whisenhunt went through with Arizona before he was hired as the OC. Next year the Chiefs will have a new OC that will work with Haley in terms of the game planning. At least Haley is taking the responsibility and not throwing coaches and players under the bus.
I hate to see it but the pressure is really getting to Haley. You can see it in his eyes and body language at the daily presser.