We've seen a few folks tabbing Todd Haley as the midseason coach of the year. Unfortunately awards at midseason don't really mean anything. It's the ones at the end of the year that count. Nevertheless, the Kansas City Chiefs have surprised sports media with their 5-2 start and the various midseason awards reflect that.
Specifically, Todd Haley is a very popular pick for coach of the year to this point, as is GM Scott Pioli for executive of the year. You'll see some Brandon Flowers in there, along with Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson. Of course there's Romeo Crennel and Thomas Jones, too.
After the jump we've tallied quite a few of the various midseason awards handed out to the Chiefs.
Todd Haley (Clark Judge of CBS Sports Coach of the Year)
The club not only has more victories through seven games than in any of its past three seasons, but it has improved in nearly every phase -- none bigger than turnovers. The Chiefs have a league-low four; a year ago they committed 27. Furthermore, they're unbeaten at home through four games. A year ago they dropped their first four there. That deserves to be recognized. Todd Haley, stand up and be counted.
Todd Haley (Joe Theismann Coach of the Year)
"Todd Haley took a group of guys nobody thought much of and got them to play together as a team," Theismann said.
Todd Haley (Don Banks of SI.com Coach of the Year)
Todd Haley (Solomon Wilcots of NFL on CBS Coach of the Year)
Anytime you raise the Titanic, going from worst-to-first, he would win for that reason.
Todd Haley (Steve Tasker of NFL on CBS Coach of the Year)
His team is playing almost mistake-free football with talent that is not considered the best in the league and yet they’re sitting atop their division. They were worst last year and now they’re the best – worst-to-first.
Romeo Crennel (Pete Prisco Clark Judge of CBS Sports Asst. Coach of the Year)
I don't care that they rank 16th in overall defense; what matters is where they rank in points allowed -- fifth. A year ago they were 29th overall in that department and last in the AFC, with six games where they hemorrhaged 30 or more points and three where they surrendered 40 or more. Now they've kept all but one of their opponents to 20 or fewer and are riding atop the AFC West. Something has changed ... no, someone has made a difference, and Romeo Crennel is that someone.
GM Scott Pioli (Peter King of SI.com Executive of the Year)
Ex-Patriot's second draft in K.C. helped Chiefs to surprising 2-game AFC West lead.
GM Scott Pioli (Don Banks of SI.com Executive of the Year)
LB Tamba Hali and LB Derrick Johnson (Phil Simms of NFL on CBS Def. Player of the Year)
It’s hard to designate those guys because we want stats – sacks, interceptions. These two guys have jumped out for doing a little bit of everything. Johnson has had a special year and if it continues, someone like him might win the most valuable defensive player in the league.
CB Brandon Flowers (Peter King of SI.com All-Pro)