Welcome to a Special Edition of Arrowheadlines. I've gathered some of the initial reactions to Todd Haley being relieved of all coaching duties by the Kansas City Chiefs. There will obviously be more reaction to the news throughout the day and we'll catch that in tomorrow's post.
The Kansas City Chiefs today announced that Todd Haley has been relieved of his duties as head coach effective immediately.
Haley Relieved Of Duties from The Mothership
Haley, fired today as Chiefs coach after less than three seasons, began seeing signs that he was an awkward fit in an organization that leans on image as much as quality football.
As recently as last week, Haley indicated in private that he might resign as Chiefs coach, to leave on his own terms and retain the ability to tell his side of a story that became more chaotic as the season advanced.
Several Signs That Haley's Days Were Numbered from KC Star
The Chiefs have confirmed that defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will coach the team for the remainder of the 2011 season following the dismissal of Todd Haley.
Romeo Crennel Will Coach Chiefs For Remainder Of Season from The Mothership
KC Star Photo Gallery: Chiefs Fire Head Coach Todd Haley
Petty or not, fair or no, the relationship between Pioli and Haley had deteriorated past the point of productivity.
The issues could've - should've - been resolved, but once the football grew laughably bad and indicators like players' discipline and the coach's presentation began to lag, the right thing for the Chiefs was clearly to move on.
Todd Haley Is Fired; Good To Know Scott Pioli Reads The Paper from Don't Kill The Mellinger
The move is surprising in one sense that Haley led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record last year and the Chiefs have been decimated by injuries this year as they sit at 5-8. The Chiefs were 19-27 under Haley. Haley's contract expires after next season.
However, the move was expected in another sense because the Chiefs have lost by at least 27 points in five games this season, including Sunday in a 37-10 loss at the New York Jets.
Chiefs End Todd Haley Era from ESPN
The move, thought to be long in coming due to a disappointing season and perceived tension between Haley and general manager Scott Pioli, was apparently finalized after the Chiefs' 37-10 loss to the New York Jets. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Haley and Pioli worked out the exit strategy and settlement through the night.
Chiefs Announce That Head Coach Todd Haley Has Been 'Relieved Of His Duties' from Yahoo! Sports
McDaniels' strong ties to Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli make him a person to watch even though the Rams' offense has averaged less than one touchdown per game.
The Chiefs named no replacement for Haley in announcing the firing. McDaniels is in Seattle for the Rams' Monday night game against the Seahawks.
Among the names that have been thrown around as possible Chiefs head coaches in 2012 are former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and former Browns and Jets head coach Eric Mangini. All occupy branches of the Bill Belichick family tree, as do Crennel and Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli.
Romeo Crennel Will Coach Chiefs For Final Three Games from ProFootballTalk
What goes around comes around!!!!
Jarrad Page via Twitter
After three lopsided losses to start the season, Kansas City managed to rattle off four straight wins and pull into a tie atop the division. Haley was being applauded for keeping the team together despite such adversity, and there was a happy-go-lucky attitude at the practice facility.
That all changed when the Chiefs lost to previously winless Miami at home, the start of a dismal stretch in which they dropped four straight and five of their last six.
Chiefs Fire Haley After 5-8 Start To Season from The Associated Press via ABC News
General manager Scott Pioli dealt for former Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel and subsequently bestowed a six-year, $63 million contract extension upon him. Cassel, a backup while in college at USC received his break in New England when Tom Brady went down in the 2008 season opener with a knee injury. Cassel navigated a team that was 18-1 a season earlier to an 11-5 record with no playoffs.
Pioli's first draft pick with the Chiefs was defensive end Tyson Jackson who hasn't lived up to his third-overall draft status. From that point on, improvements to the 2-14 roster that Todd Haley took over have been minimal.
Haley Falls On Sword In K.C. from ESPN Florida
A league source told La Canfora that St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator and ex-Denver Broncoscoach Josh McDaniels will garner strong consideration for Chiefs job.
Pioli and McDaniels have been close since the two worked for the New England Patriots, according to La Canfora, and Pioli has hired almost entirely within the coaching tree of the Patriots during his time as general manager in Kansas City.
Chiefs Fire Coach Haley After Two-Plus Seasons, 19-27 Record from NFL.com
The Kansas City Chiefs have fired Todd Haley heading into their matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion and 13-0 Green Bay Packers, who visit Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
The news broke Monday morning following a horrendous performance by the Chiefs in a 37-10 loss at the New York Jets. It was their fifth loss by at least 27 points this season.
Chiefs Fire Head Coach Todd Haley Heading Into Game Against Packers from Madison.com
Oh yeah, apology letters for doubting any damn thing I've ever reported about the
#Chiefs can be sent to 7000 Squibb Rd. Mission, KSNick Wright via Twitter