Arrowhead Pride Newsletter
December 21st, 1988
Nearly twenty years ago, Carl Peterson began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Cal-State at Sonoma in 1969 until he took the head coach job the following year. He held that post for three seasons before catching onto the UCLA Bruins staff.
The next two seasons Peterson spent coaching the receivers. With UCLA's coach Pepper Rodgers out, Dick Vermeil was named head coach
Both Vermeil and Peterson bolted for the Eagles after just two years at UCLA as the receivers/head coach combo
Tabbed as the Director of Player Personnel in Philadelphia in 1976, Peterson's Eagles teams reached the playoffs for the first time in 18 years after he had been with the club for just two years. By his 4th season, the Eagles were in the Super Bowl.
Two years later, Peterson accepted a gig as the GM/President of the Philadelphia Stars of the upstart USFL. How did he do once he was the man in charge? Only established his Stars' as top dogs going 7-1 in post-season play while capturing two league titles.
Peterson's no dummy, either. He's highly educated having earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from UCLA in ‘66, a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology in ‘67 and earned a Doctorate in Administration in Higher Education at UCLA in ‘70.
Surrounding himself with Super Bowl caliber coaches and demonstrating an ability to construct championship squads are two of the top reasons the Chiefs should hire Peterson.
Does he fit Lamar Hunt's expectations for a GM?
- "Shrewd Evaluator Of Talent" - Yes. With the Eagles and the Stars of the USFL, he was able to construct championship caliber teams.
- Experience With Winning Teams - Yes. He reached the Super Bowl in Philadelphia and won two league titles with the Stars of the USFL.
- Strong Leader - Yes. He retained the titles of President and GM with the Stars and directed player personnel in Philadelphia and was able to successfully lead his teams to success.
- Effective Communicator - He's been a scout, coach and director of personnel so he more than likely has the ability to communicate what he thinks needs to be done.
- Blends Into The Chiefs Culture - Yes. He's a smart man, both on and off the field, which seemingly lands him at the top of Hunt's list.
- Someone Outside The Organization - Yes.