Chiefs Staff Could See More Changes As Coaching Carousel Spins

Ever since the end of the 2008, Kansas City has been in a constant state of flux in regards to their coaching staff. Since the first kickoff of the 2009 preseason to today, the Chiefs have demoted or parted ways with four of their coaches.

To say the situation at 1 Arrowhead Drive has been "mildly unstable" would bring perjury charges in a court of law.

Meanwhile, Todd Haley has been manning the helm with a skeleton crew. The responsibilities of quarterbacks coach, secondary coach, and offensive coordinator were all taken on as additional duties, with no one person holding these titles alone.

2010 should take on a distinctly different appearance for the Chiefs. Charlie Weis has already been brought on to head up the offense and free up Haley. And while only rumors linked Romeo Crennel to Kansas City's defensive coordinator position before today, recent comments from his agent, Joe Linta, have Crennel "giving K.C. the first shot" at his services. 

Should Crennel unseat incumbent Clancy Pendergast, Kansas City may find itself gaining a new coordinator in Crennel and a new defensive backs/secondary coach in Pendergast. According to Joe LaCanfora of NFL.com, Pendergast has told others around the league that he is safe. 

If both the rumors of Crennel coming to Kansas City and of Pendergast's retention are true, Pendergast would be best suited coaching the secondary—the position group he handled for Dallas for three years.  Pendergast, meanwhile, could be offered an "Assistant Head Coach" title to take away the sting of another coach assuming control of the defense.

The changes in coaching staff will not stop there, with the defensive line coach's position still vacant.  Crennel's first choice would most likely be Todd Grantham, who was his defensive coordinator in Cleveland.  However, Grantham currently has a defensive line coaching position with the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys.

On the opposite side of the line, however, a familiar name could be coming available.  Pete Carroll's hiring in Seattle could cause a turnover within the Seahawks organization. Mike Solari took over Seattle's offensive line following his dismissal as Kansas City's offensive coordinator.  And while current line coach Bill Muir has an impressive 18 years of experience, Solari's success with the Chiefs from '97 to 2005 is difficult to ignore.

The recent hiring of Alex Gibbs in Seattle as assistant head coach, as reported by ESPN.com and KRIV-TV in Houston, reinforces the idea that Solari will be looking for employment elsewhere for the 2010 season.

Finally, Kansas City needs to continue the search for a reliable receivers coach.  The switch in October from Dedric Ward to Richie Anderson has not seemed to improve the position, with the Chiefs' offense leading the league in dropped passes.