Kansas City Chiefs Coaching History

The Kansas City Chiefs have a storied history in the National Football League (NFL), marked by the leadership of several distinguished head coaches who have shaped the franchise from its inception. This essay explores the legacy of each head coach, their achievements, and the impact they've had on the Chiefs' journey through football history.

The Chiefs' coaching lineage begins with Hank Stram, who was not only the team's first head coach but also one of the most influential in the franchise's history. Stram took the helm when the team was known as the Dallas Texans in 1960 and remained with the franchise after its relocation to Kansas City in 1963. Under Stram, the Chiefs won three AFL championships in 1962, 1966, and 1969, and clinched Super Bowl IV in 1970, defeating the Minnesota Vikings. Stram's innovative coaching style, including his pioneering use of the "moving pocket" and the "65 Toss Power Trap," made him a legendary figure in AFL/NFL history. His tenure ended after the 1974 season, but his legacy includes a Hall of Fame induction in 2003.

Following Stram, the Chiefs experienced a period of instability. Paul Wiggin took over in 1975 but managed only 12 wins against 30 losses over three seasons, leading to his dismissal in 1977. Tom Bettis served briefly as interim coach that same year, going 1-6 in his stint, before Marv Levy took over. Levy, later a Hall of Famer for his work with the Buffalo Bills, had a modest run with Kansas City, improving the team's record yearly until the strike-shortened 1982 season, where a 3-6 record led to his departure.

John Mackovic assumed the role in 1983, bringing the Chiefs to their first playoff appearance in 15 years during the 1986 season. However, his tenure ended with a 30-34 record. After him, Frank Gansz coached from 1987 to 1988, achieving little success with an 8-22-1 record, setting the stage for a significant turnaround with Marty Schottenheimer.

Schottenheimer, who coached from 1989 to 1998, is often credited with reviving the Chiefs' competitiveness. His "Marty Ball" philosophy focused heavily on defense and a conservative offensive approach, leading to a 101-58-1 record, including seven playoff appearances and three division titles. Although his teams struggled in the postseason, Schottenheimer's leadership turned the Chiefs into a formidable regular-season team, yet his record in playoff games was a disappointing 3-7.

The post-Schottenheimer era saw a series of shorter tenures. Gunther Cunningham (1999-2000) had a mixed record, with his defensive strategies making an impact but not enough to prevent his dismissal after two seasons. Dick Vermeil followed from 2001 to 2005, bringing his trademark emotional intensity and offensive flair to Kansas City. Vermeil's teams had the league's top-scoring offense in 2002 and 2003, with the latter year marking an impressive 9-0 start. Despite this, Vermeil could only lead the Chiefs to one playoff appearance with no wins, culminating in a 44-36 record.

Herm Edwards took the reins in 2006, promising to "play football the right way," but his tenure (2006-2008) was the least successful since Gansz, with a 15-33 record. Todd Haley, hired in 2009, managed to turn things around somewhat, leading the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2010, but his abrasive style led to his mid-season firing in 2011 after a 5-8 start.

Romeo Crennel replaced Haley, first as interim and then as full-time head coach in 2012. His tenure was marked by the 2012 season, which was statistically the worst in Chiefs history with a 2-14 record, leading to his dismissal.

This brings us to Andy Reid, who has arguably been the most successful coach in Chiefs history since taking over in 2013. Reid transformed the Chiefs from the doldrums of 2012 into a perennial contender. His strategic acumen and player development have led to an impressive 142-53 record by the end of the 2024 season, including 11 playoff appearances, three Super Bowl victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and a reputation for building one of the league's most potent offenses. Reid's ability to adapt, his success with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, and his consistent playoff showings have firmly established him as a coaching icon in the Chiefs' history.

Each coach has contributed uniquely to the Chiefs' legacy. Stram laid the foundation, Schottenheimer brought stability and success, Vermeil ignited an offensive revolution, and Reid has achieved a level of sustained excellence previously unseen in Kansas City. These coaches have not only navigated the complexities of professional football but also shaped the cultural and competitive ethos of the Chiefs.

The history of Kansas City Chiefs head coaches reflects a journey from the groundbreaking days of the AFL to the modern NFL era, where innovation, resilience, and adaptation have been key. From the AFL championships to Super Bowl victories, the Chiefs' coaching lineage is a narrative of triumph, challenges, and evolution, each coach adding a new chapter to the team's rich history. As the Chiefs continue to strive for excellence, the legacy of their past coaches serves as both a benchmark and a beacon for future leadership in the franchise.

Editor’s Note: There will be no Eagles head coach post.