Kansas City Chiefs: How 2012 Is Already Similar to 2010 for Chiefs

Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

The personnel and coaching adjustments the Kansas City Chiefs have made in multiple areas this past spring and summer should remind Chiefs fans of the moves made in 2010.

In this slideshow, we will go over what the 2010 and 2012 offseason have in common and how those offseason moves in 2010 translated into a successful division run.

Defeating Denver in Season Finale

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At the end of the 2009 and 2011 seasons, the calendar had already been flipped to the month of January and a new year.

For the Chiefs, defeating the Broncos was the start of a turn in the right direction for the 2010 season. Can they use the 2011 season victory over Denver as a boost to win the division in 2012?

Improving the Offensive Line

Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli knew that he had to upgrade the offensive line before kicking off the 2010 season. In making sure that task was accomplished, Pioli signed center Casey Wiegmann and guard Ryan Lilja during the offseason.

The new and improved offensive line went on to help quarterback Matt Cassel find success and paved the way for the Chiefs' No. 1 rushing attack.

The 2012 offseason has its similarities when it comes to adjusting the offensive line. Pioli decided that he would not retain Wiegmann and replaced him with 2011 second-round draft pick Rodney Hudson. Pioli also came away with one of the best offseason acquisitions this year after signing Eric Winston, formerly with the Houston Texans, at right tackle.

Bringing in a Running Back to Help Jamaal Charles

Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Jamaal Charles had a remarkable year in 2010, amassing over 1,400 yards and earning the league's FedEx Ground Player of the Year award. Charles also had the biggest role in helping the Chiefs lead the league in rushing that season. Taking advantage of an improved offensive line, he and the Chiefs put together over 2,600 rushing yards, 133 yards better than the second-place Oakland Raiders.

Thomas Jones, who was acquired that offseason as a free agent, was also an asset as a player and leader while helping the Chiefs earn the top rushing title as a team.

Fast forward to 2012, Pioli made the decision to let Jones go to free agency after his contract expired. This led to the signing of Peyton Hillis, who has scored two touchdowns this preseason for the Chiefs.

One area football fans in Kansas City are excited about is the team's rushing attack, which brings back memories of their style and success that they constructed in 2010.

Coaching Staff Changes

Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The Chiefs went through some key coaching changes during the 2010 offseason. Then-head coach Todd Haley hired Charlie Weis as his offensive coordinator and Romeo Crennel as his defensive coordinator; both additions proved that they were a necessity to help the Chiefs atop the AFC West.

Crennel remains with the team today as the head coach (though he still has some of the same duties he had as the defensive coordinator) with Brian Daboll taking over for the retired Bill Muir as offensive coordinator. 

The Chiefs coaching staff has a strong group of assistants working with the players, which can ultimately put the Chiefs to the point where Crennel expects them to be.

Overview

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With the components listed above, the Chiefs took advantage of a successful offseason, along with a strong draft, to win the AFC West.

They can show for this offseason's success by doing what they did in 2010, starting off hot and finishing the season with double-digit wins to capture another division title.