Todd Haley Fired: Why Kansas City Chiefs Made Right Move

Less than one year removed from winning the AFC West for the first time since 2003, the Kansas City Chiefs have relieved Todd Haley of his duties as head coach.

The Chiefs' official website released this statement in conjunction with the announcement:

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"This was a difficult decision but one that we feel is best for the future of the Chiefs,” Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Although there have been bright spots at different points this season, we have not made meaningful progress and we felt that it was necessary to make a change. We appreciate Todd’s contributions during his time with the club, and we wish him well in the future."

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Haley coached the Chiefs to a 5-8 record this season and was only 19-27 during his tenure.

He was brought on board following an impressive run as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator in their Super Bowl season but it might have been a bit too soon.

Kansas City was his first head coaching venture and won't be his last, but the timing of his firing is spot on.

The disappointing 2011 season cannot all be placed on Haley's shoulders, but he never made it easy to give him much of a chance beyond this year. 

The Chiefs suffered numerous injuries to key players such as running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry, tight end Tony Moeaki and quarterback Matt Cassel but it doesn't excuse Haley from failing to put together a potentially competitive team in an often weak division

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli will now have extra time to conduct his search for a coaching candidate that fits his long-term plans. There is also a good chance that is accompanied with a new franchise quarterback. 

We must also remember that this is Pioli's first run as a legitimate GM away from the shadow of Bill Belichick. Not for nothing, but he obviously recognized that Haley wasn't going to be able to fix the team they currently have in place. And, this draft class and potential crop of available coaches is the perfect time for an overhaul.

Pioli is only human but, like Belichick, thrives on a trial and error process. This was his first coaching hire and you can be damn sure he's going to find one of "his" guys this time around.

The Chiefs know they're not winning the AFC West with eight losses and they certainly aren't earning a wild card berth. Rather than delay the inevitable, Pioli can openly get a head start on turning around this franchise for good.

Last season was a brief glimpse of potential, but this organization can build on the young talent it has and make a long-term power move towards relevance once again with a new coach at the helm.