8:35 pm: Apparently, Chris Mortensen isn’t the rumor sleuth that ESPN makes him out to be. After battling back and forth this afternoon/evening, Mort finally relented to Adam Schefter (NFL.com) with regards to Shanahan taking over in KC.
Schefter had hammered away at Mortensen’s report, saying close friends with access to Shanahan would have to be wrong for the Chiefs to be close to hiring Shanny to be their coach.
Mortensen still claims that sources inside the Chiefs organization believe Shanahan could become the team’s new head coach, but backed down from his assertion that a deal was in the works. At any rate, the Chiefs could very well be looking in completely different direction given the Pioli code of silence that now reigns supreme in KC.
As always, we’ll keep you updated…
5:20 pm: ESPN has stepped back slightly from their position that a Chiefs-Shanahan marriage is imminent. It now seems to be more rumor then news at this point.
5:15 pm: Mitch Holthus (Chiefs Radio Network) is reporting that Shanahan has said in no uncertain terms that the only GM he would coach for is newly hired Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
This certainly lends credence to what ESPN is reporting, but we seem to have an all out war between the two networks going on right now, with each side claiming their own sources. The only troubling issue is the Rooney Rule, as the Chiefs would have to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring Shanahan.
5:05 pm: The team released a statement from Edwards a short while ago. I have to say that despite my own personal differences with Herm’s coaching style in KC, he is a class act all the way around.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hunt Family for the opportunity to spend nine seasons [in various capacities] with the Kansas City Chiefs. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as the head coach of ‘Lamar’s Team’ the past three seasons. Lamar was a special, special man, who provided tremendous opportunities to so many, myself included.”
“There is not a more gracious family in all of professional sports than the Hunts. To Norma, Clark and Tavia, Lamar, Jr. and Rita, Sharron and David, and Dan, I would like to thank them for the encouragement and many kindnesses they extended to me, my wife, Lia, and our entire family over the years. The Chiefs franchise is clearly in good hands for many years to come under Clark’s leadership. I have no doubt that Clark and Scott Pioli will continue to steer the Chiefs in the right direction.”
“I would be remiss if I did not thank Carl Peterson for his support and friendship over the years. He gave me my first opportunity as a player in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles. He also gave me a chance to coach in the league both as an assistant and as a head coach. What a remarkably positive impact Carl made on the lives of so many.”
“There are many fine, fine people in the Kansas City Chiefs organization too numerous to mention who worked so tirelessly to help our football team. I am fortunate to call so many of them friends. I am a better man and a better coach in so many ways because of them. Hopefully, they feel the same way because of our time together.”
“Finally, to the players and coaches who worked so hard for our team, I appreciate their efforts. This is going to be a very good football team. The support of Chiefs fans across the country has been tremendous. They are truly passionate about their football team. Chiefs fans will be proud to cheer for this team for many years to come. With the tremendous nucleus of young talent on this roster, I sincerely believe that his team is poised to do great things. I respect the tough decision that was made to move in a new direction. I wish the players and the organization the very best as they move forward.”
4:55 pm: Adam Schefter (NFL.com) is disputing ESPN’s report that Mike Shanahan will be the next head coach in KC. Schefter is citing close friends with access to the situation and claims Shanahan has never spoken with the Chiefs. We’ll continue to bring you the information as it breaks…
4:45 pm: Here’s what Chiefs had to say about the firing of Edwards:
Clark Hunt, Team Owner
“On behalf of my family, I want to thank Herm for his service to the Chiefs. After careful deliberation over the last week, Scott and I decided that it was in the best interests of the Chiefs to move forward in a different direction.”
“This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future.”
Scott Pioli, GM
“Since my arrival last week, Herm and I have had several conversations as part of my overall evaluation of the football operation. After careful consideration, Clark and I felt that it was best to make a change. What I conveyed last week in the press conference I still believe to be true — Herm is a great man and a tremendous football coach. He respects the game and the league, and he is passionate about his players and his craft.”
“Over the course of this last week, I have also spent time meeting and visiting with most of the assistant coaches, and I will continue to do so over the next several days. All of the coaches from last year’s staff, with the exception of one, are under contract through the 2009 season.”
4:40 pm: League sources have told Chris Mortensen (ESPN) that the Chiefs are nearing a deal with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. Again, this is hot news so we’ll be back soon with links and more info as it breaks…
4:10 pm: This is seriously hot of the presses…
As we speak ESPN is reporting that Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards has been fired from his position with the team. Sources close to the organization were cited by the network.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as news breaks out in a few minutes…
Kansas City Chiefs
fired, Herm Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Shanahan