Ten Reasons Kurt Warner Will Sign with Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Herm Edwards after posting a 15-34 record in three seasons, including 2-14 this season. Since the hiring of Scott Pioli as general manager, it has been rumored that changes within the organization will occur. Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan's name continues to surface as a possibility of becoming the next head coach; however, it remains unlikely Shanahan will be coaching in Kansas City next season.

After the Super Bowl, the Chiefs will seek permission to talk with Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley regarding the vacant coaching position. Haley's stock has flourished in conjunction with the Cardinals run through the NFC playoffs and the team's first ever Super Bowl appearance. Both Haley and Pioli have one major connection: Bill Parcells.

Only three NFL franchises have posted worse records than the Chiefs in the past three years; Detroit, Oakland and St. Louis. Kansas City has traditionally been a winning franchise until recently. Since the Chiefs play in a weak AFC West division, the possibility of improving the franchise in a shorter period of time increases.

Haley would bring his explosive passing offense from Arizona to Kansas City and needs a gunslinger for a quarterback and balance at the wide receiver position to launch his prototypical offensive scheme.

Mel Kiper has posted his 2009 mock NFL draft on espn.com. Right now, Kiper has the Chiefs selecting USC quarterback Mark Sanchez at No. 3. Kansas City needs to upgrade their quarterback position, but Kiper based this selection on Edwards still being coach.

The hiring of Haley will probably lead to the selection of Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree with the No. 3 pick. Realistically, Haley would seek a quick turnaround and drafting a rookie QB in the first-round will slow him down. Crabtree provides Haley with a balanced wide receiver attack with Dwayne Bowe and future hall-of-fame TE Tony Gonzalez, similar to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquin Boldin in Arizona. The combination of these talented receivers mixed with RB Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles gives the Chiefs an opportunity to have one of the best offenses in the NFL next season. 

Haley will look to sign a veteran free-agent quarterback and build his defense through free-agency and the draft. If Kansas City hires Haley as head coach, the following 10 reasons indicate why Kurt Warner will be the Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback next season:

1. Haley is head coach

2. Warner has familiarity with Haley's offensive system

3. Warner is an unrestricted free-agent

4. Economic decision by Arizona Cardinals. Matt Leinart was No. 10 pick in 2006 NFL Draft and makes a substantial amount of money as a back-up. Can't keep him on the bench much longer. 

5. At 37, seeking a potential two-year deal to finish career

6. Guarantee starting quarterback job

7. Gets to throw to Bowe, Crabtree and Gonzalez

8. Play in a weak AFC West division

9. Opportunity to play in the Midwest (originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

10. Irony. Began NFL career in Missouri (St. Louis); will end NFL career in Missouri (Kansas City)