Chiefs Whitlock: Why should the Chiefs bring Haley back? - Page 6

**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.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-21-2009, 12:50 AM

Clearly Dane thinks we should hire Bobby Petrino.

What a ****ing dumbass that Hollywood elitist is.

DJ's left nut · 12-21-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

I'd go on sabbatical.

I'm dangerously close to going on one anyway.

I found myself completely apathetic while watching today's game. It occured to me that, win or lose, I don't really care what happens with this team right now.

So why get so pissed off about it?

Unfortunately, I don't really have a backup NFL team. If the Lakers ever pissed me off to this level, I'd become a temporary OKC Thunder fan. If the Blues ever did this, I'd become a temporary Devils fan. If the Cardinals ever did this, I'd become an Angels fan (though the Cardinals would probably have to collectively rape my wife and kill my first-born).

I don't have any idea where I'd turn. If I did, I'd have probably already done so. I've never had this level of vitriole for a team I root for. This just sucks.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-21-2009, 12:56 AM

I'm able to tap into a bemused disgust while watching the games. It doesn't bother me when they lose, and I haven't really seen them play a game they deserved to win.

More than anything, I'm repulsed by the front office of this team, which thinks that there's an alchemical solution that flows from New England.

I'd love to watch these assholes crash and burn somewhere else, but it really ****ing sucks that it's gonna happen here.

DBOSHO · 12-21-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I'm dangerously close to going on one anyway.

I found myself completely apathetic while watching today's game. It occured to me that, win or lose, I don't really care what happens with this team right now.

So why get so pissed off about it?

Unfortunately, I don't really have a backup NFL team. If the Lakers ever pissed me off to this level, I'd become a temporary OKC Thunder fan. If the Blues ever did this, I'd become a temporary Devils fan. If the Cardinals ever did this, I'd become an Angels fan (though the Cardinals would probably have to collectively rape my wife and kill my first-born).

I don't have any idea where I'd turn. If I did, I'd have probably already done so. I've never had this level of vitriole for a team I root for. This just sucks.

Put your trust in sir Thomas Brady.

**DeezNutz** · 12-21-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I'm dangerously close to going on one anyway.

I found myself completely apathetic while watching today's game. It occured to me that, win or lose, I don't really care what happens with this team right now.

So why get so pissed off about it?

Unfortunately, I don't really have a backup NFL team. If the Lakers ever pissed me off to this level, I'd become a temporary OKC Thunder fan. If the Blues ever did this, I'd become a temporary Devils fan. If the Cardinals ever did this, I'd become an Angels fan (though the Cardinals would probably have to collectively rape my wife and kill my first-born).

I don't have any idea where I'd turn. If I did, I'd have probably already done so. I've never had this level of vitriole for a team I root for. This just sucks.

Welcome to my world in July of '09, days after the Betancourt trade when Dayton Moore went on 810 to explain the acquisition and "the process," yes, space fans, the mother****ing "process."

And what he proceeded to do was demonstrate that he was the most incompetent sack of shit that I've ever heard pass himself off as a GM. And I was struck with the horror of realizing that my beloved team was probably at least 4-5 years away from competing...that Moore would need to be fired first.

I was seriously bothered for days by this impressive kick to the nuts.

Hammock Parties · 12-21-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm able to tap into a bemused disgust while watching the games. It doesn't bother me when they lose, and I haven't really seen them play a game they deserved to win.

More than anything, I'm repulsed by the front office of this team, which thinks that there's an alchemical solution that flows from New England.

I'd love to watch these assholes crash and burn somewhere else, but it really ****ing sucks that it's gonna happen here.

Wow, this post is NASTY.

L.A. Chieffan · 12-21-2009, 12:58 AM

we're gonna be fine guys, stop ****ing around

**DeezNutz** · 12-21-2009, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

we're gonna be fine guys, stop ****ing around

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-21-2009, 01:02 AM

Most of the Chiefs fans right now are experiencing unknown weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, and fever. But rather than go to the doctor and have to deal with the fact that they have cancer, they'll continue to put it off until they are so hopelessly consumed that they can't even function properly. They don't want to be sick, therefore they aren't sick.

Sorry kids, you've had a relapse of metastatic Carl Peterson.

DJ's left nut · 12-21-2009, 01:03 AM

I take solace in the fact that we presently have some genuinely likeable excellent NFL clubs out there.

The Saints and Colts are incredibly easy to root for. The Vikes with Allen and Favre are a lot of fun to pull for as well. The Cardinals with Warner and Fitz, the Eagles with McNabb, Jackson and Maclin, even the Chargers with Rivers and Sproles (seriously, !@#$ you if you don't like Rivers, that dude is nails).

I've pretty much just become an NFL fan. I root against the Patriots, Ravens, Cowboys and Broncos (the Raiders don't deserve my angst) and that's pretty much what I'm left with. At least this isn't the 2002 season when the Raiders, Bucs, Jets, Browns and Giants were good and I was treated to a Sapp/Chucky v. the Raiders SB.

So I've got that going for me.

DJ's left nut · 12-21-2009, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Most of the Chiefs fans right now are experiencing unknown weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, and fever. But rather than go to the doctor and have to deal with the fact that they have cancer, they'll continue to put it off until they are so hopelessly consumed that they can't even function properly. They don't want to be sick, therefore they aren't sick.

Sorry kids, you've had a relapse of metastatic Carl Peterson.

Scott Pioli makes Carl Peterson look like a hybrid of Bill Walsh and Don Shula.

And again - I MFing hate Carl Peterson.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 12-21-2009, 02:24 AM

Quote:

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

There it was. Right there in the middle.

You're a crafty one JWhit, but I knows how to read ya'.

Titty Meat · 12-21-2009, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbucks24

No. No. No. That was all luck. They played the NFC West. From 1-15 to 11-5 was only because of the easier schedule. It takes 1 full year to evaluate. No one could have turned this team around in 1 year (unless they got to play the NFC East and then it would only be because of luck.) It had nothing to do with a great judge of talent as a President of Football Operations. It had nothing to do with pick Ireland as a GM. Or Sporano as a HC. Or cutting Zach Thomas (one of the all-time favorite Dolphins) because he was tool old to fit the system. It had nothing to do with trading Jason Taylor (one of the all time favorite Dolphins) because he didn't buy into the new system. It had nothing to do with picking up a QB in free agency (cheap) and building a system around him that fits his talent (so he can finish 2nd in MVP). It had nothing to do with drafting a very good LT with the first pick in the draft and having him signed before the draft so he doesn't miss 1 minute of practice. Or nothing to do with implementing a system that covers up the weakness of the offensive line (wildcat). It's such a gimmick that nearly every NFL team runs it. Or drafting OL and DL in their first draft. Nope. It was all luck and don't you ever say otherwise.

You're full of shit Herm could have won 5 games with this team.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 12-21-2009, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm able to tap into a bemused disgust while watching the games. It doesn't bother me when they lose, and I haven't really seen them play a game they deserved to win.

More than anything, I'm repulsed by the front office of this team, which thinks that there's an alchemical solution that flows from New England.

I'd love to watch these assholes crash and burn somewhere else, but it really ****ing sucks that it's gonna happen here.

That really IS the crux of this disaster. We've had all of ONE GAME to stand up, get on our feet, and yell at the top of our lungs at the TV because we were "in it to win it".

And then we find out that it was just a tease and a big ****ing fluke. I've been hard on Haley, Pioli, and Cassel; VERY hard on those mother****ers. And there's going to come a day when "Joe Blow's Way", "Give em a chance", and throwing 800 yards in a game while getting your ass ****ing KICKED by a pile of shit team will no longer be enough for more people than the small number who gather here.

Let's throw the excuses out the door RIGHT NOW. I'll start:

Drafting Sanchez to this team would have been a cataclysmic disaster. Had he been thrown directly in to the mix with the Chiefs this season, his career would have been over before it began. And he might not ever amount to anything anyway. But I liked the way that he played in college, I liked the way he carried himself, and I liked the fact that he had humble roots too.
I figured he had not only the skills necessary to come in and elevate the QB play above Thigpen, but that he would be a fantastic persona and focal point to rally the team and the fans because like most of us; he didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth, and he had to work harder and be better for everything he achieved. Does that sound like the midwest and Chiefs Football to you? It sure as **** does to me.
But he's not doing well, and he chose to align himself with a team and a market that's going ride his ass with all the tenderness of a cheese-grater.

Good luck Mark.

So lets get to the Chiefs. As Hamas pointed out, and as I will now ask; how much more apathy can you take? How much more patience wrapped up in convenient excuses can you fool yourself with? Can you do another three years of this shit? At what point does the losing, brought on by bad decisions make you chuck your bottle of beer at your new Hi-Def TV and cause a ruckus in your world?
I've learned more about football here in one year-plus than I ever knew before. And let me tell you; it's been more of a curse than a blessing. In a way, I miss being naive. I was running around naked in the NFL Garden of Eden, hoping for more wins than losses, and trusting that the people in charge knew more than I, and that someday it would all come together and I could enjoy watching the Chiefs play competitive and WINNING football again.
Well, that shit is done and gone. Old ROR took that bite of apple and forever ****ed himself. Maybe increasing my knowledge will pay off down the road when we have less than 40 positions that need talent upgrades, and we can focus on those needs in a rational manner and be thorough in our analysis because we're not a bunch of sailors on a sinking boat, trying to plug 40 hull-breaches as fast as we can.

At the end of the day, all I want is to wake up on Sunday and feel some excitement, hope, and God-willing some pride when the game is over.

I may not be here much longer. I want you all to know that I've enjoyed and appreciated the time I've spent here. I've learned much, made good friends, had epic battles and epic FAIL along the way, and had more fun than not. You can't really ask for more than that.

Jerm · 12-21-2009, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

So lets get to the Chiefs. As Hamas pointed out, and as I will now ask; how much more apathy can you take? How much more patience wrapped up in convenient excuses can you fool yourself with? Can you do another three years of this shit? At what point does the losing, brought on by bad decisions make you chuck your bottle of beer at your new Hi-Def TV and cause a ruckus in your world?

Considering this season has been nothing more than an extension of the ABSOLUTE SHIT we saw from Herm/Carl I'm inclined to say not much at all....I'm at the end of my rope.

The fact that this has been branded as basically a year long tryout session and observation process is a ****ing disgrace and a complete slap in the face to all the fans.

I'm done with the excuses, I'm done with the ineptness, I'm done with the holier than thou attitudes, and most of all I'm done with the ****ING PROCESS that Todd spews about every week...sick of it.

Clark and Pioli better get their shit together and take note...this blackout wasn't just an aberration, if we continue to see this shit on the field week in and week out, Arrowhead will be a ****ing ghost town next season.

I like some things about Haley and think he has potential but if he was to get whacked at the end of the season, I wouldn't have a goddamn word to say...wouldn't bother me at all.

Ahhh that felt good.

12-20-2009, 11:17 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	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: 43,453

12-21-2009, 12:50 AM	#76
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	Clearly Dane thinks we should hire Bobby Petrino. What a ****ing dumbass that Hollywood elitist is. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

12-21-2009, 12:56 AM	#78
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	I'm able to tap into a bemused disgust while watching the games. It doesn't bother me when they lose, and I haven't really seen them play a game they deserved to win. More than anything, I'm repulsed by the front office of this team, which thinks that there's an alchemical solution that flows from New England. I'd love to watch these assholes crash and burn somewhere else, but it really ****ing sucks that it's gonna happen here. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

12-21-2009, 12:58 AM	#82
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $2688654	we're gonna be fine guys, stop ****ing around
Posts: 17,400

12-21-2009, 01:02 AM	#84
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	Most of the Chiefs fans right now are experiencing unknown weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, and fever. But rather than go to the doctor and have to deal with the fact that they have cancer, they'll continue to put it off until they are so hopelessly consumed that they can't even function properly. They don't want to be sick, therefore they aren't sick. Sorry kids, you've had a relapse of metastatic Carl Peterson. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

12-21-2009, 01:03 AM	#85
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $-850901	I take solace in the fact that we presently have some genuinely likeable excellent NFL clubs out there. The Saints and Colts are incredibly easy to root for. The Vikes with Allen and Favre are a lot of fun to pull for as well. The Cardinals with Warner and Fitz, the Eagles with McNabb, Jackson and Maclin, even the Chargers with Rivers and Sproles (seriously, !@#$ you if you don't like Rivers, that dude is nails). I've pretty much just become an NFL fan. I root against the Patriots, Ravens, Cowboys and Broncos (the Raiders don't deserve my angst) and that's pretty much what I'm left with. At least this isn't the 2002 season when the Raiders, Bucs, Jets, Browns and Giants were good and I was treated to a Sapp/Chucky v. the Raiders SB. So I've got that going for me. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 66,857