Per ESPN News...we'll be updating this post with more info as it comes...
Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter are going head to head on this one with conflicting reports.
Per ESPN's Chris Mortensen:
The Chiefs have been in negotiations to land Mike Shanahan as their next coach and a deal is near, league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Adam Schefter of the NFL Network says it's not Shanahan:
Despite reports running rampant that Kansas City is negotiating with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan they are not, sources said Friday.
The Chiefs never have made any contact with Shahanan, never. And there have been no contract negotiations.
Schefter is a former Denver beat writer so this is something to keep an eye on.
Schefter says the Chiefs have Bill Cowher at the top of the list:
One NFL source said a name near or at the top of the Chiefs’ list is former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who has been adamant that he will not coach this season. Still, the source said the Chiefs are interested in Cowher, though it’s uncertain whether they would be able to entice him to come out of retirement.
“On behalf of my family, I want to thank Herm for his service to the Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said. “After careful deliberation over the last week, Scott and I decided that it was in the best interests of the Chiefs to move forward in a different direction.
“This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future.”
GM Scott Pioli:
“Since my arrival last week, Herm and I have had several conversations as part of my overall evaluation of the football operation. After careful consideration, Clark and I felt that it was best to make a change. What I conveyed last week in the press conference I still believe to be true – Herm is a great man and a tremendous football coach. He respects the game and the league, and he is passionate about his players and his craft.
“Over the course of this last week, I have also spent time meeting and visiting with most of the assistant coaches, and I will continue to do so over the next several days. All of the coaches from last year’s staff, with the exception of one, are under contract through the 2009 season.”
Herm Edwards:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hunt Family for the opportunity to spend nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Edwards stated. “There is not a more gracious family in all of professional sports than the Hunts. To the players and coaches who worked so hard for our team, I appreciate their efforts. This is going to be a very good football team. I respect the tough decision that was made to move in a new direction. I wish the players and the organization the very best as they move forward.”