Kansas City Chiefs fire coach Todd Haley, Crennel named interim coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs today fired coach Todd Haley with the team he led to the AFC West title less than a year ago stuck at the bottom of the division after a series of devastating injuries and discouraging blowouts.

The Chiefs dropped to 5-8 after Sunday’s 37-10 loss the New York Jets. Kansas City committed 11 penalties for 128 yards in another dismal performance, including a 15-yarder on Haley for unsportsmanlike conduct that may have ultimately sealed his fate.

“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 released before a scheduled afternoon news conference. “Although there have been bright spots at different points this season, we have not made meaningful progress.”

Romeo Crennel was named the interim coach. Crennel, the former Browns head coach, served as Haley’s defensive coordinator.