Below are some thoughts about the Kansas City Chiefs as they move on from the Todd Haley era and move forward with Romeo Crennel. Crennel was hired as the interim head coach after being promoted from defensive coordinator when Haley was fired Monday. The Chiefs host the 13-0 Green Bay Packers on Sunday:
Don’t be surprised if there is a quarterback change: Crennel said Tuesday that he wouldn’t rule out starting fifth-round pick Ricky Stanzi. I wouldn’t be shocked if Stanzi starts at some point in the final three games. The 5-8 Chiefs have nothing to lose and they like him. Tyler Palko has started the past four games since Matt Cassel was lost for the rest of the season. Haley was Palko’s biggest supporter. I believe there is sense in the building to make a move because Palko has not been impressive. If Kyle Orton wasn’t dealing with a finger injury, I think there’d be no doubt who would be starting.
Keep an eye on the offensive play calling: Haley was always vague about his involvement in the play calling, saying offensive coordinator Bill Muir had a major part in the duties. Now without Haley’s input, Muir will have full run of the offense.
Crennel likely will get a pass this week: There’s no doubt Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli will consider Crennel for the full-time job. Of course, it will help Crennel’s cause if the Chiefs play well in the final three games. But I don’t think Crennel has to beat the Packers to keep his name in consideration. I think Crennel will likely be judged more on the Chiefs’ performance in their final two games, at home against Oakland and at Denver, than in Sunday’s game against the juggernaut. However, of course, if the Chiefs somehow become the team to derail the Packers, Crennel’s candidacy will soar.
Could be bad timing on Ferentz: It’s no secret that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is probably at the top of Pioli’s list. The two go way back and Ferentz has been pursued by NFL teams before. However, because there is still three weeks left in the season, I’m not sure the timing is going to be right. Will Ferentz want to wade through all the rumors and answer frequent questions about it, all the while trying to get his team ready for a bowl and trying to recruit for Iowa? That could be difficult for him to deal with.