Lesson Learned: Clark is Right to Land HC First
 

I think it’s very wise of Clark Hunt to put a priority the selection of the next head coach and not the general manager. Hunt put a priority on selecting the GM in 2009 and he landed his man, but by the time Pioli was in place all of the top coaching candidates were gone forcing the Chiefs to reach on Todd Haley. When you miss out on the top head coaching talent, it impacts the quality of the entire coaching staff.

The Chiefs have talent, but without the right coach to focus that talent and lead the team, one doesn’t get the most out of the investment in a high profile GM. While many here believe the presence of Pioli deters high profile free agents, I would say the lack of a legitimate coach with substantial control is what drives them to other teams instead of the chiefs. Would you rather play for a coach who makes the decisions for the team, or a coach who get’s vetoed by an all-powerful GM?

I think teams like the Chargers who are going to focus on the GM search before looking at head coach replacements run the risk of missing out on the best coaches. A GM first strategy also adds an unneeded variable to the coach selection. Say we went out and grabbed a Ross or a dude from GB or SF. I’d be happy, but who are they going to get for a HC? Likely a coordinator they have ties to, which means a repeat of the Haley fiasco.

I love the fact that Clark is going to get his coach and then sort out the GM stuff. I’ve become a big advocate of Reid and Heckert. Herkert has a long time scouting background and Reid is a QB friendly, franchise type coach we have not had since Marty.

Clark is on the right track. Now get it done Mr. Hunt.

Myth: By the time Pioli was hired, all the good HC candidates were gone.

Fact: Pioli was hired on January 13th. Pioli waited three more weeks to hire Todd Haley on February 6th (IIRC)

Clark is going to handle GM duties. Get ready.

The 2009 coaching class sucked in general, but getting your GM in place first limits your options, especially if you are wanting to land an established coach.

I have no problem with Clark focusing on the HC hire first, but why not fire Fat Scott immediately?

All that "talent" doesn't mean shit with the idiots in the front office.

He didnt wait, he couldnt hire him until Arizona's season was over

Haley was never the top choice, and Hunt alluded to this yesterday.

Clark has done so well with the Chiefs -- He's going to find himself a coach and get it right!!111!111

pay no attn to Pioli though.

So maybe some truth to... "all the good choices were gone"?

More like, "we spent three weeks getting turned down".

A good part of that was the Herm evaluation period enforced by Hunt, if you believe what was reported from the Chiefs.

I think what we found out from the very start is that Pioli has a very limited base of coaches he can choose from. The whole Patriot system is based off of working with those that know the system and you can trust (prefer past working relationships).

Dimittrof was from that same mold but spread his wings and did it his own way... it has worked. Pioli can't see once inch from his face when it comes to stuff that isn't New England.

Looking back on the bullshit spewed from 1 Arrowhead Drive, why would anyone believe anything that was reported by the Chiefs?

Very likely, knowing what we know now.