KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Todd Haley on Monday, less than a year after he led the team to the AFC West title.
The injury-ravaged Chiefs dropped to 5-8 after Sunday’s 37-10 loss the New York Jets in which they committed 11 penalties for 128 yards, including a 15-yarder on Haley for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“This was a difficult decision but one that we feel is best for the future of the Chiefs,” Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. “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.”
Kansas City lost three starters to torn knee ligaments _ safety Eric Berry, running back Jamaal Charles and tight end Tony Moeaki _ in three straight September games, including Moeaki in the preseason. Quarterback Matt Cassel was lost on Nov. 13 with a broken right hand.
Haley leaves with a 19-27 record in nearly three years at his first NFL head coaching job. The Chiefs won the AFC West last season with a 10-6 record.
Previously, he was the offensive coordinator for Arizona when the Cardinals won the NFC title in 2008. He also was an assistant coach with Dallas, Chicago and the New York Jets.
Haley is the second coach fired this season; Jack Del Rio was dismissed by Jacksonville late last month.
The Chiefs are planning a news conference later Monday.
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