There are no excuses in the NFL. Apparently, not even when a team loses its starting quarterback, top offensive playmaker and best defender.
On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Todd Haley a year after he led them to an AFC West title.
Injuries have plagued the Chiefs early and often this season. Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry suffered a knee injury that put him out for the year in Week 1. Running back Jamaal Charles — the second-leading rusher in the league in 2010 — suffered a season-ending knee injury the following week. Quarterback Matt Cassel had surgery on his hand on Nov. 14 and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. And even quarterback Kyle Orton, whom the Chiefs acquired off waivers from the Broncos, was injured on his first play with Kansas City.
Friction between Haley and general manager Scott Pioli and the struggles of a 5-8 season led to the coach’s dismissal. But Haley’s impressive 2010 campaign should have earned him at least another season in Kansas City.
With few expectations, the Chiefs were one of the most creative and explosive teams last year when they had the top rushing attack in the league.
At this point in the season, every team has injuries. But even Bill Belichick would have struggled to win with this group.
Haley deserved another chance, which he should get somewhere else.
– Jeffrey Tomik
