KC Chiefs part ways with LBs coach, announce other changes to coaching staff

The Chiefs announced several coaching staff changes Monday afternoon.

Linebackers coach Gary Gibbs won’t be returning to the team, and former assistant head coach Brad Childress and special projects coach Tommy Brasher have told the Chiefs they will retire.

Here are the changes for the 2018 season:

• Mike Kafka was promoted from offensive quality control to quarterbacks coach
• Mark DeLeone was promoted from assistant linebackers coach to inside linebackers coach
• Mike Smith was promoted from assistant defensive line coach to outside linebackers coach
• Corey Matthaei moved from assistant quarterbacks coach to assistant offensive line coach
• Joe Bleymaier was promoted from offensive quality control to pass game analyst/assistant quarterbacks coach
• Terry Bradden was promoted from a defensive assistant to defensive quality control

The Chiefs also hired two new coaches:

• Jay Valai to defensive quality control
• David Girardi to offensive quality control

“The coaches we’ve elevated – Mike Kafka, Mark DeLeone, Mike Smith, Corey Matthaei, Joe Bleymaier and Terry Bradden – have each earned their opportunity to take the next step in their careers,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the Chiefs. “I’ve watched them grow, learn, teach, and I appreciate how they have gone about the process of improving their crafts. We’ve also added Jay and David as quality control coaches. I look forward to working with them as they begin their NFL careers.

“I’d like to thank coach Childress, coach Brasher and coach Gibbs for their contributions over the years. Each of them played a role in the team’s success and I wish them all the best as they move forward.”