Chiefs Whitlock: Why should the Chiefs bring Haley back? - Page 38

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-20-2009, 11:17 PM

Why should the Chiefs bring Haley back?
By JASON WHITLOCK
The Kansas City Star

I’m not arguing that Todd Haley should be fired. I’m wondering what’s the justification for bringing him back.

Loyalty? Fairness?

You throw them overboard with the waiting list for season-ticket holders. Anyone arguing the Chiefs have made progress this season hasn’t heard about what happened inside Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns visited.

On a day when Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn threw for 66 yards and two interceptions, the Browns rumbled for 351 yards on the ground and surpassed the 40-point barrier in a 41-34 victory over Haley’s Chiefs.

Keep in mind, the Browns are in the process of wooing Mike Holmgren to take over their organization and can embattled head coach Eric “Dead Man Coaching” Mangini. The Browns are bad. The Chiefs are worse.

It took a total team effort to give Cleveland a road victory.

“When you allow two returns for touchdowns, that’s generally not going to end up being a good thing,” Haley said, scolding the special-teams unit that allowed Josh Cribbs to find the end zone twice on kickoff returns.

“When you drop nine balls, and we had 39 to 40 by the NFL’s count going into this game — 50-plus by my count — it’s going to be very difficult,” Haley said, scolding his receivers for their inability to catch.

“When you allow a team to run the football the way they were able to run the football, you’re not going to have much of a chance to win,” Haley said, scolding a defensive unit that has surrendered 800-plus rushing yards in its last three games at Arrowhead Stadium.

That’s all three units, folks. Special teams. Offense. And defense.

It’s Christmas, and all three phases of Haley’s team are in disarray.

We’ve spent so much time focusing on the shortcomings within Kansas City’s roster, we’ve failed to mention that it’s likely Haley will overhaul his entire coaching staff, too.

You think Clancy Pendergast is coming back as defensive coordinator after some kid named Jerome Harrison gained 286 yards and finished 10 yards shy of the NFL’s all-time rushing record? We know Haley is a hothead. He booted his most qualified assistant (Chan Gailey) before the season. He’s already demoted a receivers coach. He benches receivers when his mood dictates.

Come on, you know Haley’s instincts will tell him to fire everyone except his wingman, Maurice Carthon. Haley can argue that he got this head-coaching position so late last offseason that he was unable to lure top-flight assistants.

Will top assistants want to come work for Haley this offseason? Let’s don’t even deal with the damage Haley has done to his reputation with his wild-man coaching routine and his handling of Gailey. Why would a top assistant come to KC when Haley is going to enter next season on the hot seat?

You know who would come? A coach with ties to Scott Pioli; a coach who thinks he could be the interim head coach if Haley gets fired six weeks into the season. Charlie Weis. Romeo Crennel.

Yes, more of the Patriots Way. A continuation of the flawed philosophy that you can export a winning culture from one city to another. Winning produces its own unique culture wherever it lands.

Let me get back on topic. I’m not saying Todd Haley should be fired. I’m wondering what’s the justification for bringing him back.

Mike Shanahan appears to be headed to Washington. Mike Holmgren apparently is going to take over Cleveland’s front office. Bill Cowher might rejoin the coaching ranks. The Chiefs are going to stand pat with Haley?

What has he shown us that gives us confidence he’ll hire a competent coaching staff? And if the Chiefs are going to be starting over with a new assistant-coaching staff, why not just start all the way over with a new head coach?

I did not say fire Todd Haley. I’m searching for reasons to bring him back. Right now, loyalty and fairness come to mind.

Scott Pioli stuck Haley with a craptastic roster. The stupidity of playing all season with special-team players masquerading as starting linebackers and safeties has caught up with the Chiefs the last month. And so has playing musical waiver wire at receiver.

Haley’s defenders can argue quite persuasively that he hasn’t been given a fair shot. Haley’s critics could argue that Haley has made a bad situation worse.

I’m not arguing anything. And I’m cool with Haley coming back ... as long as he realizes he has to make a boatload of fundamental changes to his coaching approach.

Deberg_1990 · 12-26-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

There was a time when we did have civil discusssions.

There was a time when namecalling was virtually non existent.

At some point, name calling became much more prevalent, and speaking for myself only, I responded in kind, and it became a part of the every day debates.

Sounds like a moderator problem.

Marcellus · 12-26-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

There was a time when we did have civil discusssions.

There was a time when namecalling was virtually non existent.

At some point, name calling became much more prevalent, and speaking for myself only, I responded in kind, and it became a part of the every day debates.

I can only think of 3 people who call people names on a consistent basis. '

I have been guilty of being drawn into it and have mad a very concerted effort to not do that even when "debating" with the master name caller.

**SAUTO** · 12-26-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gif Horse

When we're 7-9 next year the drafturbators will bump them.

Bound to happen, look at the falcons if you want the model.....
Posted via Mobile Device

milkman · 12-26-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Bound to happen, look at the falcons if you want the model.....
Posted via Mobile Device

It's a possibility, because the schedule will be tougher.

However, I also don't believe that one can look at another franchise and point to it as a model for how things will play out.

**SAUTO** · 12-26-2010, 11:19 AM

Falcons had a good year then regressed. Now came back stronger. That's how I can see it playing out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

It's a possibility, because the schedule will be tougher.

However, I also don't believe that one can look at another franchise and point to it as a model for how things will play out.

Posted via Mobile Device

LaChapelle · 12-26-2010, 11:21 AM

Who will bring you back Whitlock

Marcellus · 12-26-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Falcons had a good year then regressed. Now came back stronger. That's how I can see it playing out.
Posted via Mobile Device

Cassel has already had his sophomore slump, last year.

It occurred to me that if we go 11-5 this year year he would have done that 2 out of 3 years a starter (minus the 1st half of the KC game in 2008).

It's a team game and it's not all him by any means but, impressive anyway.

milkman · 12-26-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Falcons had a good year then regressed. Now came back stronger. That's how I can see it playing out.
Posted via Mobile Device

I can as easily see the Chiefs making a couple of picks in the draft, and possibly adding a free agent acquisition, that improves the overall talent, which, in turn, improves the team and continues the upswing.

**SAUTO** · 12-26-2010, 11:35 AM

Team regressed not just the qb. Hence the falcons had a good year then regressed lol . Btw merry christmas marcellus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Cassel has already had his sophomore slump, last year.

It occurred to me that if we go 11-5 this year year he would have done that 2 out of 3 years a starter (minus the 1st half of the KC game in 2008).

It's a team game and it's not all him by any means but, impressive anyway.

Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 12-26-2010, 11:37 AM

I can see this side of it too. just trying to not set myself up to be disappointed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I can as easily see the Chiefs making a couple of picks in the draft, and possibly adding a free agent acquisition, that improves the overall talent, which, in turn, improves the team and continues the upswing.

Posted via Mobile Device

milkman · 12-26-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

I can see this side of it too. just trying to not set myself up to be disappointed.
Posted via Mobile Device

With Atlanta, you did see Matt Ryan have a sophmore slump, of sorts, but you also saw John Abraham stuggle through some injuries, and Michael Turner struggle through some conditioning issues and injuries, as well.

I don't think conditioning is going to be an issue for any of these players, and, while injuries are always a concern, the fact that the key components are younger than Abraham, it's a not something that I'm going to fret over and worry about.

**SAUTO** · 12-26-2010, 12:00 PM

Lol this conversation is backwards isn't it? This season has been great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

With Atlanta, you did see Matt Ryan have a sophmore slump, of sorts, but you also saw John Abraham stuggle through some injuries, and Michael Turner struggle through some conditioning issues and injuries, as well.

I don't think conditioning is going to be an issue for any of these players, and, while injuries are always a concern, the fact that the key components are younger than Abraham, it's a not something that I'm going to fret over and worry about.

Posted via Mobile Device

Reerun_KC · 12-26-2010, 12:02 PM

The biggest thing I noticed the most about this thread is how ilrelevant Whitlock has become in KC...

**jAZ** · 12-26-2010, 01:11 PM

This thread is reason #265 why people with amateur opinions (myself, and everyone posting on this board) need to not take themselves and their football opinions very seriously, ever. There is a reason we don't get paid to do this stuff.

So much hate tied into justifying your position. We don't have any idea the complexities that go into building a team. It's easy to ignore that fact, but it's still a fact.

**jAZ** · 12-26-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

There was a time when we did have civil discusssions.

There was a time when namecalling was virtually non existent.

At some point, name calling became much more prevalent, and speaking for myself only, I responded in kind, and it became a part of the every day debates.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Sounds like a moderator problem.

That was 10 years ago. This place has been a a-hole competition since early on.

12-20-2009, 11:17 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2987187	Whitlock: Why should the Chiefs bring Haley back? Why should the Chiefs bring Haley back? By JASON WHITLOCK The Kansas City Star I’m not arguing that Todd Haley should be fired. I’m wondering what’s the justification for bringing him back. Loyalty? Fairness? You throw them overboard with the waiting list for season-ticket holders. Anyone arguing the Chiefs have made progress this season hasn’t heard about what happened inside Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns visited. On a day when Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn threw for 66 yards and two interceptions, the Browns rumbled for 351 yards on the ground and surpassed the 40-point barrier in a 41-34 victory over Haley’s Chiefs. Keep in mind, the Browns are in the process of wooing Mike Holmgren to take over their organization and can embattled head coach Eric “Dead Man Coaching” Mangini. The Browns are bad. The Chiefs are worse. It took a total team effort to give Cleveland a road victory. “When you allow two returns for touchdowns, that’s generally not going to end up being a good thing,” Haley said, scolding the special-teams unit that allowed Josh Cribbs to find the end zone twice on kickoff returns. “When you drop nine balls, and we had 39 to 40 by the NFL’s count going into this game — 50-plus by my count — it’s going to be very difficult,” Haley said, scolding his receivers for their inability to catch. “When you allow a team to run the football the way they were able to run the football, you’re not going to have much of a chance to win,” Haley said, scolding a defensive unit that has surrendered 800-plus rushing yards in its last three games at Arrowhead Stadium. That’s all three units, folks. Special teams. Offense. And defense. It’s Christmas, and all three phases of Haley’s team are in disarray. We’ve spent so much time focusing on the shortcomings within Kansas City’s roster, we’ve failed to mention that it’s likely Haley will overhaul his entire coaching staff, too. You think Clancy Pendergast is coming back as defensive coordinator after some kid named Jerome Harrison gained 286 yards and finished 10 yards shy of the NFL’s all-time rushing record? We know Haley is a hothead. He booted his most qualified assistant (Chan Gailey) before the season. He’s already demoted a receivers coach. He benches receivers when his mood dictates. Come on, you know Haley’s instincts will tell him to fire everyone except his wingman, Maurice Carthon. Haley can argue that he got this head-coaching position so late last offseason that he was unable to lure top-flight assistants. Will top assistants want to come work for Haley this offseason? Let’s don’t even deal with the damage Haley has done to his reputation with his wild-man coaching routine and his handling of Gailey. Why would a top assistant come to KC when Haley is going to enter next season on the hot seat? You know who would come? A coach with ties to Scott Pioli; a coach who thinks he could be the interim head coach if Haley gets fired six weeks into the season. Charlie Weis. Romeo Crennel. Yes, more of the Patriots Way. A continuation of the flawed philosophy that you can export a winning culture from one city to another. Winning produces its own unique culture wherever it lands. Let me get back on topic. I’m not saying Todd Haley should be fired. I’m wondering what’s the justification for bringing him back. Mike Shanahan appears to be headed to Washington. Mike Holmgren apparently is going to take over Cleveland’s front office. Bill Cowher might rejoin the coaching ranks. The Chiefs are going to stand pat with Haley? What has he shown us that gives us confidence he’ll hire a competent coaching staff? And if the Chiefs are going to be starting over with a new assistant-coaching staff, why not just start all the way over with a new head coach? I did not say fire Todd Haley. I’m searching for reasons to bring him back. Right now, loyalty and fairness come to mind. Scott Pioli stuck Haley with a craptastic roster. The stupidity of playing all season with special-team players masquerading as starting linebackers and safeties has caught up with the Chiefs the last month. And so has playing musical waiver wire at receiver. Haley’s defenders can argue quite persuasively that he hasn’t been given a fair shot. Haley’s critics could argue that Haley has made a bad situation worse. I’m not arguing anything. And I’m cool with Haley coming back ... as long as he realizes he has to make a boatload of fundamental changes to his coaching approach.
Posts: 43,452

12-26-2010, 11:21 AM	#561
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Who will bring you back Whitlock
Posts: 8,588

12-26-2010, 12:02 PM	#568
Reerun_KC Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7231160	The biggest thing I noticed the most about this thread is how ilrelevant Whitlock has become in KC...
Posts: 1,529

12-26-2010, 01:11 PM	#569
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9817493	This thread is reason #265 why people with amateur opinions (myself, and everyone posting on this board) need to not take themselves and their football opinions very seriously, ever. There is a reason we don't get paid to do this stuff. So much hate tied into justifying your position. We don't have any idea the complexities that go into building a team. It's easy to ignore that fact, but it's still a fact.
Posts: 24,800