Todd Haley, whose record as head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs was 19-27, has been fired, the team announced today. The decision comes a day after the team's fifth loss in six games: a 37-10 loss to the New York Jets. The Chiefs held a news conference at 2 p.m.
USA TODAY reports:
Since his days as an assistant coach, Haley has been known for his prickly sideline demeanor, one that's often flared with referees and his own players. His behavior Sunday in New York may have hastened his exit in Kansas City. He was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct on the Jets' final TD drive, though declined to reveal what he said to draw referees' ire. "That generally gets you beat," said Haley. "The one thing we can't do is lose our composure on calls."
From a statement posted on the Kansas City Chiefs website:
“This was a difficult decision but one that we feel is best for the future of the Chiefs,” Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Although there have been bright spots at different points this season, we have not made meaningful progress and we felt that it was necessary to make a change. We appreciate Todd’s contributions during his time with the club, and we wish him well in the future.”
“Todd helped this team in many valuable ways over the past three seasons, and I am thankful for his contributions,” Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli said. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to establish the kind of consistency we need to continue to build a strong foundation for the future and we believe a change is important at this time.”
Update at 10:58 a.m. Who Will Take Haley's Place?
Arrowhead Pride, a blog focused on the Kansas City Chiefs, has this update on a potential temporary replacement for Haley:
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs have told members of the organization that defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will be taking over as the interim coach. Crennel has previous experience as the Cleveland Browns head coach for four seasons from 2005-08. He went 24-40 in 64 games before being let go by the Browns.
Update at 11:25 a.m. Interim Coach Confirmed:
Associated Press sports writer David Skretta tweets:
#Chiefs confirm Romeo Crennel as interim coach.
Update at 2:05 p.m. Kansas City Chiefs Press Conference:
KMBC-TV/KCWE-TV news anchor Kris Ketz tweets:
@kcchiefs Scott Pioli on Haley firing: "...a difficult day for everybody." Decision made this morning. Pioli/Hunt talked last night.
2:08 p.m.
General Manager Scott Pioli: "I think we have a locker room that has talent. I think we have a good makeup of character...we're clearly not at a spot where we need to be...I need to do my job better as well."
Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt: "Every coach has a personality. Over the years, we've seen different personalities win...Todd (Haley) was always himself."
Pioli: "I know the respect that Romeo (Crennel) commands from the players...there were a number of people to consider...watching how the players respond to Romeo had something to do with it."
Pioli: "I don't perceive Todd Haley as a mistake....we need to figure out what direction we're headed in, how we can make progress. There is accountability on my part as well."
2:16 p.m.
Hunt: "Our play was up and down the entire season; at times, it was up and down during a given game. That really contributed to our decision (to fire Todd Haley)."
Pioli: "I don't think he (Todd Haley) lost the team. No, I don't."
2:21 p.m.
Pioli: "I think we have an excellent coaching staff...I need to do my job better. We need to have a better roster...clearly, it's not good enough and I need to do my job better."
2:23 p.m.
Hunt: "I do have a lot of confidence in Scott (Pioli) and I do believe he's going to help us be successful in the long run."
No timetable on hiring a replacement coach. Pioli: "This will be an ongoing process...we've got time to make this decision (about the new coach)."
Hunt: "It (declining ticket sales) didn't have a bearing at all (in firing Todd Haley). I value the support of our fans tremendously."
