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texaschief
01-02-2008, 05:48 PM
Chiefs Begin Search for New OC

By Nick Athan Warpaint Illustrated Publisher
Posted Jan 2, 2008

One day after the Chiefs fired offensive coordinator Mike Solari and three other members of the offensive coaching staff, the process begins to find replacements. Names are already beginning to surface.
As we first reported yesterday, the Chiefs have begun preparing a preliminary list of offensive coordinator candidates. Warpaint Illustrated has learned those names include: UTEP offensive coordinator Eric Price, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan and now Denver Broncos assistant Jeremy Bates.

The Kansas City Star mentioned the name of former Chiefs offensive coordinator Paul Hackett as a potential candidate, but according to our source, he isn't likely to be considered. Nor will the Chiefs give consideration to ex-coordinator Jimmy Raye in the same capacity.

The Chiefs will search both the college and professional ranks in order to find the best man to rebuild KC's offense. It appears that Herm Edwards is committed to rebuilding the program, and a fresh offensive take might be the best choice going forward.

It appears there isn't a clear cut front-runner at the moment, but the Chiefs are high on Price, who worked with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle at Alabama and has history with Herm Edwards in New York, where he tutored Chad Pennington.

The latest name to surface, Bates, served as the quarterbacks/wide receivers coach in Denver this year, but is currently in the midst of a storm. Monday Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker told the local media he wants out of Denver. He didn't blame Bates, instead throwing his ire at head coach Mike Shanahan, but if Bates can't control a player like Walker, how can he run an entire offense in Kansas City?

The other issue is Denver's history with the Chiefs stemming from the Alex Gibbs fiasco in the 90s. The Broncos won't likely grant Kansas City permission to talk with Bates until they decide if he'll be retained for 2008 or not. In other words, just because the Chiefs want him, doesn't mean they'll get him.

Regardless, the Chiefs hope to have their new offensive coordinator in place before the Senior Bowl later this month.

In other Chiefs News:

- Warpaint Illustrated has confirmed that special teams coach Mike Priefer has been retained. The Chiefs felt their coverage units improved this season. We also learned that one of KC's top priorities will be to find a solid return man who can handle both punt and kickoff returns.

Eddie Drummond will not be retained in 2008 and it's not likely that Jeff Webb will be given another shot next season at returner. The Chiefs want Webb to focus on becoming the number three wide receiver.

- According to a report, one of KC's possible free agent targets might be Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. His contract demands will be the determining factor in the degree of the Chiefs' interest, but the team will look for a linebacker in free agency and in the draft.

With middle linebacker Napoleon Harris struggling and Donnie Edwards aging, the team has no depth at the position. Backup linebacker Keyaron Fox will not be retained.

- Another old friend who could return to the Chiefs in 2008 is Indianapolis Colts guard Ryan Lilja, who was cut by the Chiefs during Dick Vermeil's tenure. According to our sources, Lilja isn't likely to be re-signed by the Colts.

If that happens, the Chiefs will talk to Lilja about becoming a starter on their revamped 2008 offensive line. It appears the Chiefs will move guard Brian Waters to center and Lilja could slide in at left guard. Damion McIntosh will move to right tackle, leaving the Chiefs to fill left tackle via the draft.

The consensus at the moment is that if Michigan tackle Jake Long is on the board when the Chiefs draft either 4th or 5th, he'll be the pick. Kansas City is also high on KU left tackle Anthony Collins, who has yet to decide if he'll forgo his senior season for the Jayhawks.

texaschief
01-02-2008, 05:52 PM
a couple things of note....the board favorite Eddie Drummond will not be returning. Nor will Hackett. Ryan Lilja would be nice on the line although i don't like his age for a rebuild project. I liked the idea of persuing Briggs last year but i'm a little more timid about it this year. I think any large contracts should go to the secondary or O-line.

jerhart
01-02-2008, 05:53 PM
I would take Bates despite the Javon Walker fiasco, JW pulled the came crap in Green Bay....but the whole KC/Denver trade I don't see happening...

...And a def no from me on Callahan...

chief31
01-02-2008, 06:21 PM
Have the Dolphins mentioned rather Cam Camerons job is safe there? That was my ideal replacement. But, having won a game this season, might have saved his job.

texaschief
01-02-2008, 06:35 PM
i want Billick or Martz

jerhart
01-02-2008, 06:36 PM
i want Billick or Martz

I would take Martz...

chief31
01-02-2008, 06:43 PM
i want Billick or Martz

I would be alright with Martz, but doubt that Herm would be O.K. with it. And I just don't find anything about Billick that suggests that he has the ability to run an offense. At least not in the past several years.

Three7s
01-02-2008, 11:07 PM
I have a feeling that this will be one interesting draft and off-season.

hermhater
01-02-2008, 11:19 PM
I have a feeling that this will be one interesting draft and off-season.

I have a feeling it is going to be a very predictable draft and off season.

Even Herm won't pass up an O lineman in the first round.

Do we have any other picks in the first round?

for ever red
01-02-2008, 11:32 PM
The talk is that Cam Camerons will not be with the fish next year. That who i like for the job

GoDJGoDJ
01-03-2008, 08:05 AM
I like Cameron if he becomes available, or even Billick. I don't want Callahan, Martz or Shula.

I think going after a free agent linebacker would be a bad move considering our other needs. I'd also like to see them keep Keyron Fox, he seems solid to me.

Northcountry68
01-03-2008, 10:17 AM
I think Martz would do a good job in KC if the chiefs rebuild the line. A good offense will help the defense get better.

Canada
01-03-2008, 11:21 AM
I just sent my resume in, but if I get the job I am coming to the board for help!!

hermhater
01-03-2008, 02:23 PM
I think Martz would do a good job in KC if the chiefs rebuild the line. A good offense will help the defense get better.

I agree with all of that.

The D wasn't getting more than 3 downs to take a break, and that will tire them out way too fast.

hermhater
01-03-2008, 02:25 PM
I just sent my resume in, but if I get the job I am coming to the board for help!!

Play action pass on first down the first 2 or 3 series, then the other team will respect the pass, and we can actually run the ball.

(This is entirely dependent upon getting some good O lineman though!)

Canada
01-03-2008, 03:46 PM
Play action pass on first down the first 2 or 3 series, then the other team will respect the pass, and we can actually run the ball.

(This is entirely dependent upon getting some good O lineman though!)

I thought we already hired YZILLA and Guru!?!? :bananen_smilies046:

DrunkHillbilly
01-03-2008, 04:03 PM
Just heard a guy on the NFL Network say that KC could be interested in Martz before anyone else.

hermhater
01-03-2008, 04:08 PM
Just heard a guy on the NFL Network say that KC could be interested in Martz before anyone else.

Sweet!

He won't allow the O line to be ignored. I'm sure it will be negotiated in his contract somehow!

(Wish I had my NFL network working...)

DrunkHillbilly
01-03-2008, 05:23 PM
Sweet!

He won't allow the O line to be ignored. I'm sure it will be negotiated in his contract somehow!

(Wish I had my NFL network working...)
Who knows if he's right. Probably just banter!! I wouldn't be all that disappointed though. Anyone has to be better than Solari!!

rbedgood
01-03-2008, 09:19 PM
Sweet!

He won't allow the O line to be ignored. I'm sure it will be negotiated in his contract somehow!

(Wish I had my NFL network working...)

Look at Martz' history as a coordinator and head coach...he doesn't pay attention to the O-line, he tries to drop back and heave the ball before the pass rush can get through his lack of protection. He has some strong points, but on KC he'd just get the QB killed.

hermhater
01-03-2008, 09:25 PM
Look at Martz' history as a coordinator and head coach...he doesn't pay attention to the O-line, he tries to drop back and heave the ball before the pass rush can get through his lack of protection. He has some strong points, but on KC he'd just get the QB killed.

It's starting to sound like we have absolutely no chance at improving the O as long as Herm is here.

There is no way to win...

Sigh...

Hayvern
01-03-2008, 09:40 PM
I have a feeling it is going to be a very predictable draft and off season.

Even Herm won't pass up an O lineman in the first round.

Do we have any other picks in the first round?

Wanna bet?

hermhater
01-03-2008, 09:44 PM
Wanna bet?

Good idea.

chief31 we need a sportsbook event.

Will Herm pass up the O line in the first round?

What round will we draft linemen, etc...