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DENVER -- I’m just settling in the press box in Denver, preparing for the Broncos-Chiefs game.

There are two very interesting ESPN stories involving the two teams to digest:

ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler will not be on the sideline or in the locker room Sunday. Both players will be deactivated because of accountability issues.

This is probably the right call by Denver coach Josh McDaniels. Having the two players on the sideline would serve as a distraction. If McDaniels doesn’t feel either player is up to playing because of attitude issues, they probably shouldn’t be on the field at all.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Chiefs will likely hire former Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel to run the defense. The Kansas City defense has struggled under Clancy Pendergast this season.

The Chiefs tried to hire Crennel last year. He and Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli had success together in New England. Hiring Crennel would make sense if the team decides to part ways with Pendergast.

If Crennel, who is still being paid by the Browns, wants to return to the NFL, Kansas City seems like a perfect spot. It also wouldn’t be a stunner if the Chiefs seriously pursue Charlie Weis to be their offensive coordinator.

So, it is not out of the question that Bill Belichick’s top two lieutenants from the New England Super Bowl run end up in Kansas City.

As we approach the final game of the regular season, this likely will be the end for each AFC West coaching staff as we know it. There will be probably be some changes on each staff in the division, whether it’s the organization’s or individual head coach’s decision.

We look at the chances of change in each AFC West city (the focus is on head coaches and coordinators):

Denver: Don’t expect any change at top. Josh McDaniels is not going anywhere, even if Denver doesn’t make the playoffs and suffers its second straight major collapse. If Denver doesn’t make the playoffs, it will be the second team in 31 years to start 6-0 and miss the postseason.

Still, McDaniels’ team has performed better than expected. The team is physical and full of energy. McDaniels seems to have a good program started.

The one potential big change could be at defensive coordinator if Mike Nolan gets another opportunity to be a head coach. But that might be a long shot this offseason. The only way the former San Francisco 49ers head coach gets a chance to take over another team is if there are more openings than expected.

Otherwise, Nolan will have to put together another strong effort next year. Nolan’s defense was lights out in the first six games. Denver was dominating opponents. The Broncos were stalwarts on third down and in the second half, two areas where you want your defense to dominate.

In the second half of the season, the defense has come back to earth some but it is still very good. It is the No. 5 ranked defense in the NFL and it is second in the league against the pass. It is much improved from last year. Nolan has done a terrific job. But he'll have to do it again to get another head-coaching job.

Kansas City: There has been some conjecture around the NFL that head coach Todd Haley could be in trouble.

Of course, that talk is fueled by the fact that the Chiefs are 3-12. Kansas City won a total of six games in the final two seasons of Herm Edwards’ tenure.

Yet, it would be surprising if general manager Scott Pioli shows Haley the door. The only way that would happen is if these two men have had a terrible working relationship that hasn’t surfaced. Both Pioli and Haley are ending their first season in Kansas City. I would be shocked if Pioli didn’t stick with Haley for at least another year.

Haley is a hard-nosed, hard-working coach. He is diligently trying to change the culture in Kansas City. He has had his share of game-management issues as a rookie head coach and the offense has been inconsistent under Haley’s guidance. Still, he needs time. He likely will get some.

There will probably be a new offensive coordinator in the fold. Haley relieved Chan Gailey of his duties shortly before the season. Haley took over. The Chiefs almost certainly will hire a new offensive coordinator.

The coach that has been most speculated about is Charlie Weis. He worked with Pioli and Haley in the past. If Weis wants the job, it might be his.

The team conceivably also could make a move at defensive coordinator. Clancy Pendergast’s unit has not been good. Kansas City is 30th in the NFL in defense. Kansas City has allowed at least 26 points in eight games this season.

Still, the Chiefs have several young players on defense and Pendergast could be given time to work with the group. The team talked to Romeo Crennel last year, but he had hip surgery and couldn’t coach in 2009. Crennel is healthy now, but the word from people who know him is that it would take a good deal to get him back to the field for 2010.

Oakland: It is inevitable there will be some speculation over the head coach in Oakland. It happens nearly every year.

Thus, it wouldn't be a shock if Tom Cable is on the hot seat. However, if the Raiders beat Baltimore on Sunday and finish 6-10, Cable could be safe. The Raiders haven’t won at least six games since 2002, which is an NFL record. Snapping the record could go a long way for Cable.

If Oakland loses Sunday, owner Al Davis could get grouchy about the situation.

Cable has been far from perfect. His play calling has been questioned and he has a 9-18 overall record in Oakland. He has not made the team a winner.

But Cable is very enthusiastic. He wants to be Oakland’s head coach. That’s a good start. If Cable stays, it wouldn't be a surprise if most of his staff remains.

You have to consider a change being a possibility because of Davis’ history. But, like he did last year, Davis eventually might figure that Cable is the best option for the team.

San Diego: Head coach Norv Turner is obviously safe. He is expected to get a new contract -- his deal expires after 2010 -- after the season.

One change could be at defensive coordinator -- but only if Ron Rivera wants there to be one.

If the Chargers make a Super Bowl run, Rivera could be an intriguing head-coaching candidate. Rivera has received interest in head-coaching jobs in the past. After another solid job as an assistant, Rivera should be attractive again.

He is a big reason why the Chargers have been so dominant. Since he took over as the coordinator at midseason last year, the Chargers are 17-6 in the regular season.

Rivera is known as a detailed-oriented leader and his players love playing for him. He could parlay San Diego’s potentially special season into a new job. The Chargers would miss him if he leaves.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Earlier this summer, we ranked the offenses in the AFC West. Now, it’s time to rank the defenses in the division.

While the offenses all have some good pieces, most of the division’s defenses aren’t in great shape. It’s one of the biggest reasons why this division is not expected to be strong in 2009.

Let’s rank them:


1. San Diego: The Chargers’ defense had an uneven season in 2008, but it finished strong.

A major reason why we expect it to start strong this season: Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has had a full offseason to prepare his team. He took over for the fired Ted Cottrell at midseason last year. The Chargers had instant success under Rivera, particularly in the pass-defense game.

The Chargers expect further improvement under Rivera this year, especially with the return of star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. He missed all but one game last season with a knee injury. The Chargers missed Merriman’s pass rush (he led the NFL with 39.5 sacks in his first three NFL seasons) and his fire. Without him, the Chargers got pushed around. He has acknowledged that his knee likely won’t be fully recovered for a few weeks into the regular season, but his presence alone should help immensely.

The Chargers drafted Larry English in the first round to improve the pass rush and they are excited about linebacker Shaun Phillips’ role. Expect a lot of creative packages to come from the mind of Rivera.

Those changes should help cornerback Antonio Cromartie have a rebound year. He struggled badly in 2008 but has looked good so far this summer.

If the Chargers don’t suffer any major injuries, expect a solid year from this talented unit.


2. Kansas City: It gets dicey here. The Chiefs, Broncos and Raiders all have big problems on defense. But from the look of the preseason, we are giving the Chiefs a slight edge. There isn’t much separating this trio, however.

OK, so it’s not a rousing endorsement, but there are some things to be encouraged about within the Chiefs’ defense.

New defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast has the team running a 3-4 scheme. So far in the preseason, the Kansas City defense appears to be further along than the offense. The unit has been aggressive and has not been embarrassed.

The Chiefs are excited about their defensive front, which features Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, who were top five picks in the past two drafts. The Chiefs hope these two can create a semblance of a professional pass rush. Kansas City set an NFL record for the fewest sacks last year with 10.

The Chiefs have an interesting mix of youth and veteran leadership at linebacker and there are some playmakers in the secondary, including Brandon Flowers and Mike Brown.

Pendergast is creative and there is enough talent here that Kansas City could make some defensive strides.


3. Denver: Like Pendergast in Kansas City, new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is doing some nice things with Denver’s defense.

Nolan is running a 3-4 scheme as the Broncos try to reconstruct one of the worst defensive units in the league. Nolan’s approach looks to be much more aggressive than it was last season and much more active in attacking the ball.

Still, in the second and third preseason games, the first-team defense allowed more than 300 yards passing. Denver concentrated on the pass defense in free agency as it reshaped the secondary to go along with star left cornerback Champ Bailey. Still, Denver did bring in some nice veteran talent to the secondary in the form of Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill and Andre Goodman. So eventually, this group should be fine.

The big issue is on the defensive front. The Broncos have a very raw front three. It if can play beyond expectations, Denver’s defense may not be as bad as expected.


4: Oakland: Raiders fans are going to be up in arms at this ranking. But really, do we have any other choice after what has happened this preseason?

No, no, we don’t.

The Raiders’ defense, which has struggled in recent seasons, has been brutal this preseason. Oakland’s first-team defense allowed New Orleans to score 31 points in the first half last weekend.

Oakland’s run defense has been alarmingly bad. It has allowed 507 yards on the ground in the second and third preseason games. Oakland was ranked No. 31 in the NFL against the run last season.

Oakland didn’t do much to change defensively other than to bring in new coordinator John Marshall. So far, the change doesn’t appear to have helped.

Again, there is not much separating the bottom three defenses here. They’ve all been bad recently. But the Raiders appear to have made the fewest strides in the preseason, so that why they head into the regular season with this ranking.

	G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images
	Todd Haley, the new coach for Kansas City, has made his players feel his presence during the offseason and training camp.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

RIVER FALLS, Wis. --- The Kansas City Chiefs are tired.

And they should be.

Camp Haley has been no pleasure cruise.

The Chiefs, who break camp Thursday, have undergone a harsh transition from the cushy Herm Edwards days to the no-breaks, harsh methods of new coach Todd Haley. Mimicking new general manager Scott Pioli's humorless ways, Haley has not been easy on his troops.

Camp Confidential: AFC West • Raiders: Fri., July 31 • Chargers: Tues., Aug. 4 • Broncos: Wed., Aug. 12 • Chiefs: Thurs., Aug. 20 • Training camp index

It's all about making the Chiefs -- who have won a total of six games the past two years -- "hard to beat," Haley said.

"I think this camp had to be tough," Haley said Wednesday. "We need a mental toughness .... I've been on teams that have turned it around and each of those teams needed to get tougher."

In the offseason, Haley stressed conditioning and made his team lose weight. Then, he held a conditioning test before the start of camp. Several well-known players didn't pass, thus delaying their camp starting date. Camp practices in this idyllic Wisconsin college town have been long and hard-hitting.

Haley is often heard barking his displeasure at his team and often his media briefings smack of an unsatisfied coach.

Further getting everyone's attention, Haley broke down standout receiver Dwayne Bowe. The team's best receiver was made a third stringer. But the tough love has worked. Bowe has responded and it's been a lesson learned for the entire team.

Haley knows he has a lot of work to do with this team. The Chiefs are being reconstructed. Haley knows it's not going to be easy, but he's bent on making it work.

"I've seen good progress," Haley said. "This team is much tougher than it was a few months ago. But we have to keep on improving."

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Denver

Eddie Royal impresses his new coach.

My take: Royal has the goods. I think new Denver coach Josh McDaniels is going to have a lot of fun designing plays for Royal. He could have a Wes Welker-like impact in Denver's offense. Welker thrived under McDaniels in New England. Royal is one of new Denver quarterback Kyle Orton's best chances for success.

Kansas City

Clancy Pendergast is taking control of the Chiefs' defense.

My take: Pendergast is one of the most innovative, creative defensive coordinators in the league. And he'll need to be. The Chiefs' defense is young in key places and has no proven pass rush. There are some intriguing pieces to this unit, but Pendergast has a tough job ahead of him.

Oakland

There is competition at right cornerback.

My take: Stanford Routt is pushing Chris Johnson at the position. Johnson did well after the Raiders cut DeAngelo Hall last season. If Routt can finally become a major player in this defense, it will only help the team. I could see a situation where both Johnson and Routt get significant playing time.

San Diego

Jacques Cesaire is enjoying his new role.

My take: The Chargers thinks Cesaire, who has been a productive role player, will excel in a starting role. He will take over for Igor Olshansky, who departed to Dallas as a free agent. Cesaire will likely get some help in the rotation, but expect him to play well.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Weekend mail call:

Derron from Campbell River wants to know if Denver could trade for Brady Quinn this year if he loses the Cleveland quarterback battle to Derek Anderson.

BW: If so, I 'm not sure how effective Quinn would be in 2009, coming into a new system during the preseason. A quarterback needs an entire offseason to prepare, get to know the system and his new teammates and coaches. But if Quinn is the odd man out in Cleveland and neither Kyle Orton nor Chris Simms lights it up this season, perhaps a deal could be in place next year.

Michael from Iowa wants to know who is responsible for the Chiefs' transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.

BW: It's the Scott Pioli show in Kansas City. Pioli came from New England and the Patriots use a 3-4. Understandably, Pioli is going to build a team around a system he is most comfortable with it. Joining him in Kansas City is head coach Todd Haley and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. They were with Arizona last year where Pendergast used a form of the 3-4 at times. So, there is comfortably in the leadership with the scheme.

---

Mike from Los Angeles wants to know if Peyton Hillis will be lost in Denver's running back shuffle.

BW: He could with the team adding Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan this offseason. But Hillis is the type of player that makes coaches fall in love with him by his practice play. None of these jobs, other than Moreno's, are etched in stone. Hillis has time to show he can be a valuable player for Denver.

---

J from Seattle wants to know if Darren McFadden can put up LaDainian Tomlinson-like numbers now that he has former Tomlinson lead blocker Lorenzo Neal and some new offensive linemen.

BW: Tomlinson put up special numbers. I'm not sure McFadden is going to have the chance or if he is built to have that type of an impact. McFadden will likely be more of a situational player. Oakland has other backs and McFadden is not known as a pounder. So, I don't think Tomlinson-like numbers are in the future for McFadden.

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

The Chiefs were the worst pass-rushing team in the history of the NFL last year. So, what did they do to improve this massive weakness? Very little. Certainly Kansas City's pass rush wasn't the only problem that needed to be addressed by Scott Pioli and company --but I can't say more or less ignoring it was the right decision either.

Scouts Inc.: Weaknesses • AFC: South | East | West • NFC: North | South

The Chiefs are switching to a 3-4 scheme and should be able to create more pressure with Clancy Pendergast's innovative and aggressive schemes, but far more needs to be done. It should also be noted that Kansas City has a fine young secondary that should only improve as they mature another year. Obviously that will help the cause as well.

But I just don't see many good pass rushers here. Tamba Hali did a nice job opposite Jared Allen, but by no means is he a top option. Plus, he is changing positions in the new scheme, even though he is best suited as a 4-3 defensive end. Hali managed only three sacks last year -- and I see him as the Chiefs' best pass-rusher.

	Tom Hauck/Getty Images
	New Kansas City outside linebacker Mike Vrabel is not the answer to the team's pass-rushing woes.

What about Mike Vrabel, you ask? I love his style of play, but his game is declining. I saw Vrabel as a throw-in with Matt Cassel; he might not have made the Patriots' final roster in 2009. He has value to the Chiefs for his leadership and mentoring ability in the new scheme, but he is no longer an overly threatening pass-rusher. With the status of the Patriots' outside linebacker position, do you think Bill Belichick would have let one of his favorite players leave town if he could still perform at a high level? He may eclipse the four sacks he registered last year, but he isn't going to approach the 12.5 he had in 2007. In the three previous seasons before 2007, Vrabel managed a total of 14.5 sacks. That is the pace he will show Kansas City.

This is a dismal situation. There isn't a young outside linebacker on this roster who can play the role of understudy to Vrabel and work his way into a starting role. Derrick Johnson is not physical enough to play on the line of scrimmage and is more a 4-3 weakside linebacker. He doesn't fit the new scheme -- much like Hali and last year's fifth overall selection, Glenn Dorsey. Johnson should be an inside backer instead of playing on the edge. Kansas City's roster is far from perfect, and when the 2009 season ends, you can be assured that outside linebacker will rank right at the top of needs for this club.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

There are still some big names available this offseason, and the Kansas City Chiefs have both the need and the salary-cap room to accommodate them. Here is a look at the possibilities:

Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin: The Chiefs could use Boldin, who wants to be traded. Kansas City has an extra second-round draft pick next year and has the ability to give him a big, new contract. Boldin also played for new Kansas City coach Todd Haley while they were both in Arizona. Yes, the two had a blowup in the playoffs, but they could coexist again.

Arizona defensive lineman Darnell Dockett: Dockett would fit in with Kansas City and he could play end in the 3-4 defense. There also is a connection with Haley and new Kansas City defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who was Dockett's coordinator in Arizona. But the Cardinals are not expected to accommodate Dockett's request for a trade.

Free-agent linebacker Larry Foote: The former Pittsburgh linebacker has expressed an interest in playing for the Lions, and he reportedly will visit Detroit this week. While he would fit in Kansas City, it seems as if Foote is going to see if he can work out a deal first with the Lions.

Free-agent defensive end Jason Taylor: ESPN's John Clayton said Tuesday on SportsCenter that Taylor probably will end up either in New England or Miami. I still say Kansas City should pursue Taylor. He'd be a perfect fit for the Chiefs as he would give the team a much-needed pass-rushing presence. But it doesn't seem likely at this point.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Pass rusher Travis LaBoy, cut by Arizona on Tuesday, may be a good fit in both Kansas City and Denver. If he can stay healthy, he'd fit in the 3-4 defense both teams are adopting. Kansas City head coach Todd Haley and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast knows LaBoy from their Cardinals days.

Denver finalized a deal with backup linebacker Nick Greisen and cut fullback Andrew Pinnock.

The Kansas City Star suggests Kansas City -- which has a ton of salary-cap room -- to go get a big fish in free agency, starting with Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill.

Here's a fine look at the fire that burns inside new Oakland safety Mike Mitchell.

San Diego top pick Larry English discuses fitting into the Chargers' defense with star Shawne Merriman in a radio interview.

Mr. Irreverent speaks about being a Chief in a radio interview.

The Raiders have signed more college free agents.

	Christian Petersen/Getty Images and Derick Hingle/Icon SMI
	Rey Maualuga and Tyson Jackson are two players expected to be taken in the first round of the draft who could be good fits for Denver or Kansas City.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

After dumping the 4-3 scheme used by previous regimes, the new leaders in both Denver and Kansas City are hoping for fast results by adopting the 3-4 defense. A new era begins in the AFC West.

Still, the transition might not be easy. Both teams will try to fit existing players into the system and identify new ones to add. The 3-4 defense features three defensive linemen and four linebackers as opposed to the more traditional four defensive linemen and three linebackers set.

Expect the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs to try to stockpile defenders who can play in the 3-4 in the April 25-26 draft. Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson said he thinks Denver will dedicate "95 percent" of its draft class to players who can play in the 3-4. Denver is in great shape to add young talent with five picks in the first 84 choices, some as a result of the Jay Cutler trade. Kansas City has started the transition process with the additions of veteran linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas.

Who might be among the top-flight draft prospects for 3-4 schemes? Possible targets include former Boston College defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace, former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga and ex-LSU defensive lineman Tyson Jackson. Will those players be ready to make an immediate impact in the 3-4 defense? Williamson said he believes both the Broncos and the Chiefs might have difficulty making the adjustment to the 3-4, which has long been used by the San Diego Chargers.

"The two teams are starting from scratch in a lot of ways as they try to move to the 3-4 along with San Diego," Williamson said. "They may have to slowly transition to it because it takes some of these young kids a couple of years before they can make a difference in that scheme. Not enough kids play the 3-4 in college, so it takes time. If Denver and Kansas City think they are going to get a quick fix, it may be tough. And San Diego now has more competition because two more teams in its own division will be looking for 3-4 players."

	Joe Robbins/Getty Images
	It's unknown how players drafted to play in a 4-3 defense, such as Kansas City's Glenn Dorsey, will perform in a 3-4.

Williamson thinks there are some high-profile players in Denver and Kansas City who may have trouble flourishing in the new system. In Denver, Williamson pointed out linebacker D.J. Williams, who last September signed a big extension to stay in Denver. In Kansas City, Williamson believes defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey is not suited for the 3-4 defense. Dorsey was the No. 5 overall draft pick last season. Williamson thinks Kansas City should try to trade Dorsey. New Kansas City coach Todd Haley, who brought creative defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast with him from Arizona, is not worried, though.

"I think he's got a lot of great versatility, especially where we are transitioning potentially to this 3-4," Haley said of Dorsey. "I think there are some roles in there for him where he could have more of an attacking role."

One reason the AFC West will be a 3-4 defense division is because of the heavy influence of the New England Patriots that has invaded the division.

Former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels replaced Mike Shanahan as head coach in Denver and brought in former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan to run the 3-4 defense that the Patriots used. Kansas City is moving to the 3-4 defense because former Patriots executive Scott Pioli is the new general manager there.

The Chargers are interested to see how the division will be affected by 75 percent of the teams using the 3-4 scheme.

"It gives you flexibility as a defense," San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said. "You can show different looks and we have found it very useful. ... We're seeing Denver and Kansas City moving to the 3-4 as they start a new beginning. It will be very interesting to see how everything works with nearly every team in the division using the scheme."

McDaniels said the key in Denver will be versatility and flexibility in the scheme. He said the speed of the 3-4 transition may depend on the personnel the team picks up in the draft.

"There are a few boards at our facility and they're put up different ways," McDaniels said. "Because I think it's really important that we see where we finish this spring, and head into training camp in terms of our personnel. I don't think we can really sit there today and say, 'That looks perfect.' In terms of playing them as a 3-4 or as a 4-3, I think we have guys that can do a lot of things. Versatility is a huge thing for what we're going to try to do on defense."

The transition will not be easy, but the process begins in earnest with the draft for both Denver and Kansas City.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The Kansas City Chiefs have salary cap room and needs on both sides of the ball.

Yet, aside from a trade early in the free agency period that netted quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel, the Chiefs were quiet. Kansas City's free agent signings were mostly little-known bottom-of-the-roster types.

Tuesday, however, Kansas City got busy.

The Chefs signed receiver Bobby Engram, linebacker Monty Beisel, and receiver Terrance Copper, who will fight to make the roster.

The signing of Engram and Beisel won't rival the additions of Cassel and Vrabel in terms of impact but both should be decent role players.

Engram could battle for the No. 2 receiver spot if he stays healthy, or be a top backup. He has 113 starts in 13 NFL seasons. He has 645 careers catches, including 94 in 2007. He was injured often in 2008. He will be a reliable target for Cassel.

Beisel started his career in 2001 in Kansas City and stayed for four seasons. He has 19 career starts in eight seasons. He could vie for a starting role on a weak Kansas City linebackers unit but most likely will be a backup and a special teams player.

Beisel has ties to the Chiefs' new management. He played in New England in 2005 under new Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli. He was in Arizona the past three years. He played there for new Chiefs' coach Todd Haley and new Kansas City defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.

Copper played in Dallas when Haley was the receivers coach.

Meanwhile, San Diego free agent Mike Goff visited the Chiefs on Tuesday. The Chargers are not going to bring Goff back but he could start in Kansas City.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The Chiefs have settled on their defensive coordinator.

The team named Clancy Pendergast as defensive coordinator on Friday. He was fired in Arizona after the Super Bowl. He worked with new Chiefs head coach Todd Haley in Arizona, where Haley was the offensive coordinator.

Pendergast was hired several weeks ago in an unnamed role. In an unusual move, Kansas City waited before making Pendergast the defensive coordinator. It was reported that the team was waiting to hire former Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator. But his agent, Joe Linta, said last week that Crennel would not be joining the Chiefs at this time.

So Pendergast is now in charge of turning around one of the youngest and weakest defenses in the NFL. Haley believes he's up to the challenge.

"Clancy was instrumental in the Arizona Cardinals run at the end of last season that led to our appearance in the Super Bowl," Haley said in a statement released by the team. "The fact that we have experience working together along with Clancy's previous experience working with Gary Gibbs will be a big factor in our continuity as we move forward."

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

New Kansas City coach Todd Haley just added to his staff by adding a third coach he worked with in Arizona, Cardinals' running backs coach Maurice Carthon. Meanwhile, the team officially announced Chan Gailey will remain as offensive coordinator.

Carthon will be Haley's assistant head coach. Haley was Arizona's offensive coordinator and Carthon was the running backs coach. It wouldn't be a surprise if Carthon also worked with the running backs. Earlier this week, Haley brought in former Arizona defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who was fired this month, will be a defensive assistant and former Arizona assistant Dedric Ward who will coach the receivers.

Thus, Haley's top offensive assistants will be Carthon and Gailey, who was the team's offensive coordinator under former head coach Herm Edwards in 2008. It wouldn't be a surprise if Haley, known as one of the more aggressive offensive coaches in the league, calls his own plays.

With Gailey retained, the Chiefs can keep some continuity to an offense that was solid at times last season. If the team decides to stick with quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who started in the second half of the season, there will be some familiarity between him and Gailey.

Gailey often held the reins on Thigpen so it will be interesting to see if Haley unleashes him some if Thigpen is brought back as the starter.

Kansas City also disclosed the responsibility of some of the coaches it hired earlier this week. They are: Bob Bicknell (tight ends), Joe D'Alessandris (assistant offensive line), Steve Hoffman (special teams) and Bill Muir (offensive line).

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The Kansas City Chiefs, suddenly one of the NFL's most mysterious teams, have spoken.

But we're not sure what they have said.

The team announced a large portion, or maybe even the entire staff, as the team begins the Scott Pioli and Todd Haley era. The odd thing is, the Chiefs didn't announce what positions the coaches will have in Kansas City. Shortly after the release was sent out, a team spokesman said the Chiefs will not be announcing specific positions at this time.

OK.

Tuesday's peculiar move continues a quiet offseason by the Chiefs. Both the decision to hire Pioli as general manager and Haley as head coach were shrouded in secrecy. Tuesday's move to assemble the assistant coaching staff comes 51 days after the Chiefs' season ended. All of the new coaches are listed on the team's Web site without specific job titles.

Here, courtesy of the Chiefs, is the coaching staff:

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that the club has made several additions to head coach Todd Haley's coaching staff. The following coaches have been retained by the Chiefs: Bob Bicknell, Joe D'Alessandris, Chan Gailey, Tim Krumrie, Brent Salazar and Cedric Smith. The following assistant coaches are joining the Chiefs staff:

Joel Collier -- Collier owns 17 seasons of experience coaching in the professional ranks. He most recently enjoyed a three-year stint with New England (2005-07). Prior to joining the Patriots, he spent 11 seasons with Miami ('94-04). Collier served his first tour of duty with New England from '91-93, spending time on the coaching staff and as a pro scout. He began his NFL career as an offensive assistant with Tampa Bay ('90) after serving as a graduate assistant at Syracuse ('88-89).

Gary Gibbs -- A 29-year coaching veteran, Gibbs most recently served a three-year stint as defensive coordinator with New Orleans (2006-08). He entered the NFL ranks as linebackers coach with Dallas (2002-05). Gibbs broke into the coaching profession at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, as a graduate assistant in '75 and was eventually promoted to linebackers coach ('78-80), defensive coordinator ('81-88) and head coach ('89-94) He also served as defensive coordinator at Georgia (2000) and LSU (2001).

Steve Hoffman -- Hoffman owns 19 years of NFL coaching experience. He most recently spent a two-year tour with Miami as kicking coach (2008) and assistant special teams coach (2007). He served as assistant special teams coach with the Atlanta (2006) after a 16-year association with Dallas ('89-04), where he served as kicking coach ('89-98) and kicking/defensive quality control coach ('99-04). He began his coaching career at the University of Miami ('85-87).

Bill Muir -- Muir is a veteran of 31 NFL seasons and owns a total of 44 seasons of coaching experience. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for Tampa Bay (2002-08). He has also enjoyed NFL coaching stops with the N.Y. Jets ('95-01), Philadelphia ('92-94), Indianapolis ('89-91), Detroit ('85-88) and New England ('82-84). He began his NFL career in the player personnel department with Tampa Bay ('78-81). He coached collegiately at SMU ('76-77), Idaho State ('72-73), Rhode Island ('70-71), Delaware Valley ('66-67) and Susquehanna ('65). The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native also coached professionally for Houston/Shreveport ('74-75) of the World Football League.

Clancy Pendergast -- Pendergast owns 14 seasons of experience in the NFL coaching ranks. He spent the past five campaigns as a defensive coordinator with Arizona (2004-08). Prior to guiding the Cardinals defensive unit, Pendergast spent one season with Cleveland (2003) after enjoying a seven-year tenure with Dallas ('96-02). He began his NFL coaching career with Houston ('95). He began his coaching career in the collegiate ranks as a graduate assistant with Mississippi State ('91) and enjoyed stops at Southern California ('92), Oklahoma ('93-94) and Alabama-Birmingham ('95). Pendergast graduated from the University of Arizona in '90.

Pat Perles -- Perles owns 21 years of coaching experience, including two years in the NFL. He spent the previous six seasons at North Dakota State (2003-08), including the final four campaigns as the offensive coordinator. Perles previously served as the offensive line coach at his alma mater of Michigan State (2000-02). He spent six seasons in the Canadian Football League with Hamilton ('98-99), Winnipeg ('97) and Saskatchewan ('94-96). He began his NFL coaching career with the L.A. Rams ('92-93) after working as the defensive line coach for three years with Toledo ('89-91).

Dedric Ward -- Ward spent the past two seasons as a member of Arizona Cardinals offensive coaching staff along with current Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. In 2007, Ward served as a quality control coach, working intensely with the Cardinals wide receivers. In 2008, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa native entered his second season as a quality control coach, working closely with the club's running backs. Ward began his coaching career as wide receivers coach at Missouri State University in 2006.

It is being speculated that either Gibbs, fired last month as New Orleans' defensive coordinator, will be the defensive coordinator. Pendergast, just fired as Arizona defensive coordinator, is going to be a defensive assistant. There is also talk around the league that Gibbs may be the linebackers coach if Pioli can get former Cleveland head coach and former New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to be the coordinator. Until official titles are announced, speculation will continue.

It is also being speculated that Gailey, who already was under contract for this season, is being retained to be the offensive coordinator. He was Herm Edwards' coordinator last season. Haley is expected to call the plays so expect the Chiefs' offense to take on the personality more of Haley than Gailey. Haley was known for a vertical game when he was the offensive coordinator of the explosive Arizona Cardinals.

The belief is that Muir will coach the offensive line and that Bicknell will coach the tight ends.

Yes, it is murky but that is clearly how the Chiefs prefer to do business these days.