[Ace Gunner]

Originally Posted by FAX

That's pretty much how I see it.

We all have strong points and short-comings. All of us. Even Planeteers. Haley had flaws and I have never argued that he was the epitome of human evolution. Still, he represents what the Chiefs needed and still need; a young coach who can put his imprimatur on and grow with the franchise, a coach who focuses on the fundamentals of conditioning and basic football (see turnover records), and a guy who approaches the game with a certain creativity (The Chiefs were once known for innovation and I'd like to see that particular slice of history repeat itself.)

The fact of the matter is that, for whatever reason, Pioli decided to hang Haley out to dry. He developed an absolute hatred for the guy. Why? I can only speculate that Haley thought he was going to be an actual NFL head coach, not a puppet and, when he learned that he was going to have to dance for Dr. Evil, he simply couldn't do it ... it wasn't in his nature.

Meanwhile, Pioli was and is a freaking cancer. His organizational decision-making and personnel decisions aren't just suspect, they're obviously pitiful. He is a man clearly out of his mind and Clark's worst decision to date. Yet people who could not function, let alone thrive, while working directly under Pioli will blame Haley for every possible sin they can conjure up. It's irrational, in my view.

I think the evidence speaks for itself. They say you are what your record says you are. And, when it comes to the Chiefs, nuff said.

FAX

I agree with both of you here. I would simply add Clark Hunt's worst decision was not Pioli's hiring, but instead Pioli's (non)firing when the time came to make a choice for the franchise. Hunt fired the wrong guy and now he has to start the whole thing over in finding a competent staff for this team -- this is Hunt's worst decision to date.