Wed @ 9:15 am – It’s a done deal, according to Scout.com’s Adam Caplan. Crennel will get a three year deal with the Chiefs and should start shortly after the East-West Shrine game on January 23rd.

Tues @ 1:25 pm – ESPN’s Bill Williamson is reporting that Crennel will discuss a return to the NFL with Kansas City first, and will only move on to other options if the two sides fail to agree on a contract.

On a side note… Haley discussed Crennel earlier today during his press conference in glowing terms, which is very similar to the way he talked about Weis prior to his hiring. It doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is done, but I’d be surprised if Crennel coaches elsewhere next season.

Mon @ 9:15 pm – In what is looking more and more like a blatant copyright violation of the Patriots Way, Kansas City has apparently landed yet another former New England coordinator to continue their massive overhaul being undertaken by general manager Scott Pioli, who cut his teeth with the Patriots as well.

According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, former Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel has decided to make his return to the NFL with the Chiefs, turning down a potential interview with the Giants for their defensive coordinator opening, in favor of a reunion with Pioli and newly hired offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. All three rose to prominence during their tenure in New England, helping head coach Bill Belichick guide the Patriots to three Super Bowl championships between 2002 and 2005.

Kansas City’s defense was handled by Clancy Pendergast, who came over from Arizona after the Cardinals surprising Super Bowl run with head coach Todd Haley. Pendergast had seemingly worn out his welcome though in Arizona before becoming the Chiefs defensive coordinator, and has not fared much better during his stint in KC.

There has been little word from the Chiefs camp, although that’s to be expected with the code of silence that Pioli brought with him from New England last off-season. That said, the move to bring in Crennel to run the defense next fall in Kansas City has been expected for the past week at the very least, and has steadily gained supporters since the regular season came to a close.

Crennel is an old school coach, with significant experience in the 3-4 defensive scheme the Chiefs employ. His addition will likely make Kansas City’s defense much better next season, although there will have to be a major talent infusion via free agency and the draft for that to happen. The Chiefs currently have four picks in the first three rounds, and will likely look to add to that total before April.

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