Chiefs HALEY SPEAKS. BE STILL MY HEART. - Page 2

BigRock · 02-18-2009, 11:44 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/1041866.html

Nutshell: they didn't announce titles for the coaches because the staff isn't complete yet, and they'll be able to be flexible with the coaches' roles depending on who else is hired. But Bill Muir is definitely the o-line coach.

He hasn't decided whether to call his own plays and hasn't decided on a defensive scheme. The latter will be decided once they evalute all the players. He thinks Dorsey is good enough to play either way.

Quote:

Chiefs’ Haley still sorting out roles for assistant coaches
By ADAM TEICHER

In his first public comments since his introductory news conference two weeks ago, Haley said Wednesday he was still sorting through important issues like whether he will call the offensive plays and what defensive system the Chiefs will use.

Haley also said he planned to hire at least one additional assistant. Those decisions will then determine exactly how the staff aligns.

“There are still a few moving parts,” Haley said before leaving for Indianapolis and the NFL’s annual scouting combine. “That’s why we haven’t gotten into specifics. Right now I’m just trying to get as many good coaches as we can get. To this point, I’m happy with what I’ve been able to do. If you have good coaches, then you figure out the best fit.

“I’m not trying to be cute here. I’m trying to leave enough flexibility, and then I’ll sort it out from there.”

Haley acknowledged a temptation to call the offensive plays, something he did for most of two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. He said he was leaning toward handing those duties to his coordinator. He wouldn’t name that coach, but last season’s coordinator, Chan Gailey, remains on staff.

“I have a strong opinion on the best way to do that,” Haley said.

“When I went to Arizona, coach (Ken) Whisenhunt had enough trust in me to let me do that for him. I really think that’s the best way to handle it. But I’m still sorting through all of this, so I’ll hold off on saying for sure. I really haven’t decided one way or another.”

Another major decision facing Haley is whether to align the Chiefs in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. Haley hired as assistants two former NFL defensive coordinators, Gary Gibbs and Clancy Pendergast. Gibbs has a more extensive background in the 3-4 and Pendergast in the 4-3.

Haley wouldn’t say, but it’s possible Gibbs could be the coordinator and Pendergast the linebackers coach if the Chiefs use the 3-4. Those duties might reverse if Haley decides to use the 4-3.

“We just had the first staff meeting (Tuesday),” Haley said. “What I told these guys is that I want them to go through each player and then we’ll figure out what we have. We’ll do that on each side of the ball, very detailed. I want an open mind. I’m a big believer in doing what your players can do best. When we get through that process, I’ll have a stronger feeling about which way we’re going to go.

“I will say that some of the players we have here defensively from what I’ve seen offer some flexibility. (Glenn) Dorsey is a good enough athlete to have some versatility. He could play either system.”

Haley said he hired at least some of his assistants without giving them specific job responsibilities. He loaded his staff, so far numbering 11, with veterans and coaches he has worked with before.

All 11 assistants have some NFL coaching experience.

“That was something I was definitely looking for,” Haley said. “This is my first go-round. I’m not an ego guy. I just want to coach. The more guys I can get with experience and fit with what we’re trying to do and also have been around winning organizations, that will be a big help as we go forward.”

Haley has worked with five of the seven new assistant coaches. He also retained four coaches from the staff of former head coach Herm Edwards.

He indicated one of his first targets was Bill Muir, who Haley said will coach the offensive line. Muir is a 31-year NFL veteran who worked with Haley for four seasons with the New York Jets.

More recently, Muir was the offensive line coach and coordinator for Tampa Bay, though he didn’t call the offensive plays.

“I have a lot of respect for him.,” Haley said. “He’s the best I’ve been around as far as guys coaching that position. For me to get a guy like that this late in the game right out of the gate is a big thing. That’s such a key position for us.”

Haley’s next big project is to study the Chiefs players. Free agency begins a week from Friday.

“Hiring the staff has taken up a lot of time. I’ve probably watched half the season to this point. But I’ve got my computer loaded up to take to the combine. Hopefully I’ll get to the rest of it.

“There had been no contact and it was pure speculation, but there were a couple of days sitting in Arizona that I thought maybe I should throw in some tape of Kansas City, just in case. I didn’t do it because I thought it would be a disservice to my team there and my boss there, so I never did it.”

FAX · 02-19-2009, 02:23 AM

Well, they're going to deserve quite a few prop things if they're able to sweet-talk Romeo into joining the club. But, I guess if anybody could do it ...

I've never heard of a franchise hiring coaches in this manner ... we want you to work for us, but we don't know what you'll be doing? Wow.

FAX

ChiefsCountry · 02-19-2009, 02:25 AM

The reason I think Krummie was kept was to keep a member of the old staff on board to help the new guys know the players. Heck we only had Gunther and Gibbs as the other defensive coaches and they are gone. Its a crappy reason but you see it alot.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-19-2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picasso

Uh... I think that Dorsey is gonna get a bonfire lit under his ass this season.

By the same braying ass that taught him nothing last year.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-19-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

The reason I think Krummie was kept was to keep a member of the old staff on board to help the new guys know the players. Heck we only had Gunther and Gibbs as the other defensive coaches and they are gone. Its a crappy reason but you see it alot.

Then why wouldn't you keep Gibbs? Hell, his unit at least played reasonably well, they didn't set an all-time record for futility.

**AustinChief** · 02-19-2009, 03:21 AM

I honestly don't think Dorsey could ever be an effective NT (lack of size AND strength) and not likely to be a great 4-3 DT (unless Krumrie/scheme really were THAT bad).. so if that make him a bust because he becomes a great 3-4 De.. I am ok with that... He lacks the typical height but he plays well in space so... hard to say at this point.

Just as long as he isn't a COMPLETE bust like so many of our other DT picks have been of late... I will swallow that we picked him to high for the role he eventual may fill.

And don't mention TRADE value... unless he proves his worth with US, no one is gonna give up value for him regardless.

keg in kc · 02-19-2009, 03:29 AM

I think it's a little early to be talking about Dorsey and his greatness or lack thereof. There's a lot of factors involved in the development of an interior defensive lineman, and the quality of play isn't always easy to judge without knowing what everybody in the front 7 is being asked to do, and how well they're all doing it. It's also not often a position where players hit the ground running.

**AustinChief** · 02-19-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I think it's a little early to be talking about Dorsey and his greatness or lack thereof. There's a lot of factors involved in the development of an interior defensive lineman, and the quality of play isn't always easy to judge without knowing what everybody in the front 7 is being asked to do, and how well they're all doing it. It's also not often a position where players hit the ground running.

Very fair.. but I was not sold on him as a top pick last year and was not completely suprised he dropped to us.. I was happy that he did since the guys I wanted were gone and he seemed to be the consensus "steal" at the time...

I still hold out hope that it was amixture of coaching/scheme/misc. that made him look so completely lost last year... but all I'm saying is that I just PRAY that he doesn't end up a complete waste ala Ryan Sims

keg in kc · 02-19-2009, 03:41 AM

I'm not sure about it, but I may actually buy into the theory that they quietly asked him to add weight last offseason and it cost him the explosiveness he showed in college. I think he may have played at 315 or 320 even though the roster said 297.

He's never been a fireplug, he's got the makings of an undertackle, a disruptive guy. I think having him take up space and occupy blockers last year was a mistake, regardless of his playing weight.

And he's already worth more than Ryan Sims ever was. We'll see what he turns into.

**AustinChief** · 02-19-2009, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I'm not sure about it, but I may actually buy into the theory that they quietly asked him to add weight last offseason and it cost him the explosiveness he showed in college. I think he may have played at 315 or 320 even though the roster said 297.

He's never been a fireplug, he's got the makings of an undertackle, a disruptive guy. I think having him take up space and occupy blockers last year was a mistake, regardless of his playing weight.

And he's already worth more than Ryan Sims ever was. We'll see what he turns into.

I sincerely hope you are right.I would love to see us play a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense with a ton of looks... and IF (big if) Tank can be a passable NT at times (doubt he is an ALL GAME NT) and Dorsey can play DT in the 4-3 and DE in the 3-4... we could do alright.

Lots of ifs at this point....

keg in kc · 02-19-2009, 03:50 AM

If we go 3-4, Tank's development may be the most important thing for the defense this offseason.

Because even if Dorsey can work successfully like Seymour does, we still (badly) need a Wilfork. And I don't think we can afford to do it early on someone like Raji, not a year after using the 5 on Dorsey and with the best chance we may ever have at drafting a franchise quarterback, assuming we believe there's one and he's there to pick.

**AustinChief** · 02-19-2009, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

If we go 3-4, Tank's development may be the most important thing for the defense this offseason.

Because even if Dorsey can work successfully like Seymour does, we still (badly) need a Wilfork. And I don't think we can afford to do it early on someone like Raji, not a year after using the 5 on Dorsey and with the best chance we may ever have at drafting a franchise quarterback, assuming we believe there's one and he's there to pick.

I honestly believe Tank could do it in a PART TIME role... I just don't think he has the endurance of the "great" NTs out there... but who the hell knows until he tries it

keg in kc · 02-19-2009, 03:56 AM

It would probably help his endurance if the defense could manage to get themselves off the field occasionally.

**AustinChief** · 02-19-2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

It would probably help his endurance if the defense could manage to get themselves off the field occasionally.

touche

EyePod · 02-19-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Looks like the only "for sure" position coach locks are Muir (Haley said so) and Dedric Ward (because WTF else would he coach?)

I can't wait to see what Haley can do with D-Bowe. I mean, Haley actually made Fitzgerald better. That is some awesome ****ing coaching ability if you can make Larry ****ing Fitzerald better than he was previously.

SenselessChiefsFan · 02-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

I think it's amazing that he's able to hire all these coaches without giving any of them titles, knowing they could be anywhere from coordinator to position coach. Yet they all came because they're all connected to the Parcells "family", so to speak.

Who's the mystery coach? Crennel? I haven't been following any updates today, I don't know if he's in the running or not. Who else would he be looking to slide into a DC role?

I think it is amazing that people honestly think that these guys don't know what the situation is. I am sure the parameters have been laid out as to what will decide who does what.

I am not questioning his honesty, because I believe him when he says that things aren't 100% decided. But, they aren't a bunch of guys in a room drawing straws to see who is coordinator.

I also believe Haley when he says he hasn't made up his mind about the defensive scheme. The thing I like about him is he is willing to do what his players do best. That is why he and Gailey will work well together.

He is at least playing coy a little as far as defensive scheme because the only way they go 4-3 this year is if free agency and the draft doesn't go the way they'd like.

Otherwise, they will be a 3-4. It helps too many defensive players already on the roster not to go to it eventually.

02-19-2009, 02:23 AM	#16
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	Well, they're going to deserve quite a few prop things if they're able to sweet-talk Romeo into joining the club. But, I guess if anybody could do it ... I've never heard of a franchise hiring coaches in this manner ... we want you to work for us, but we don't know what you'll be doing? Wow. FAX
Posts: 44,492

02-19-2009, 02:25 AM	#17
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $-1601248	The reason I think Krummie was kept was to keep a member of the old staff on board to help the new guys know the players. Heck we only had Gunther and Gibbs as the other defensive coaches and they are gone. Its a crappy reason but you see it alot.
Posts: 52,142

02-19-2009, 03:21 AM	#20
AustinChief Administrator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Austin Casino cash: $-754998	I honestly don't think Dorsey could ever be an effective NT (lack of size AND strength) and not likely to be a great 4-3 DT (unless Krumrie/scheme really were THAT bad).. so if that make him a bust because he becomes a great 3-4 De.. I am ok with that... He lacks the typical height but he plays well in space so... hard to say at this point. Just as long as he isn't a COMPLETE bust like so many of our other DT picks have been of late... I will swallow that we picked him to high for the role he eventual may fill. And don't mention TRADE value... unless he proves his worth with US, no one is gonna give up value for him regardless.
Posts: 20,021

02-19-2009, 03:29 AM	#21
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I think it's a little early to be talking about Dorsey and his greatness or lack thereof. There's a lot of factors involved in the development of an interior defensive lineman, and the quality of play isn't always easy to judge without knowing what everybody in the front 7 is being asked to do, and how well they're all doing it. It's also not often a position where players hit the ground running.
Posts: 58,682

02-19-2009, 03:41 AM	#23
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I'm not sure about it, but I may actually buy into the theory that they quietly asked him to add weight last offseason and it cost him the explosiveness he showed in college. I think he may have played at 315 or 320 even though the roster said 297. He's never been a fireplug, he's got the makings of an undertackle, a disruptive guy. I think having him take up space and occupy blockers last year was a mistake, regardless of his playing weight. And he's already worth more than Ryan Sims ever was. We'll see what he turns into.
Posts: 58,682

02-19-2009, 03:50 AM	#25
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	If we go 3-4, Tank's development may be the most important thing for the defense this offseason. Because even if Dorsey can work successfully like Seymour does, we still (badly) need a Wilfork. And I don't think we can afford to do it early on someone like Raji, not a year after using the 5 on Dorsey and with the best chance we may ever have at drafting a franchise quarterback, assuming we believe there's one and he's there to pick.
Posts: 58,682

02-19-2009, 03:56 AM	#27
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	It would probably help his endurance if the defense could manage to get themselves off the field occasionally.
Posts: 58,682