Haley already on hot seat, but not concerned

It took only two weeks of the season — and one of the worst starts in NFL history — for Chiefs coach Todd Haley to be placed on the hot seat.

Haley didn’t necessarily start the season there. After all, the Chiefs won the AFC West last season. But season-ending injuries to TE Tony Moeaki, FS Eric Berry and RB Jamaal Charles, the loss of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, underwhelming play from QB Matt Cassel and being outscored 89-10 in two games have abruptly changed the feeling in Kansas City to one of dysfunction.

“Certainly, there’s blame to go around all over the place in (Kansas City). But we’re in a league where often the head coach takes the first hit,” NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora said on “NFL Total Access.” “This being a division winner (last year) that now looks like a bottom dweller, that could spell the end of the regime there.”

Whether he’s really in jeopardy of losing his job or it’s simply fabricated media fodder, the reality is Haley is already answering questions about it. He told reporters Monday he’s not concerned about his job, and he “absolutely” feels like he’s getting support from GM Scott Pioli and CEO Clark Hunt.

“I’ve been excited about the opportunity to be here and for a reason, because of the leadership in place and the opportunity that gives you to have a chance to succeed,” Haley said. “When you lose, it’s tough. When you win, it’s a lot better. Like I said, it’s a team results business. Right now, we’re 0-2 in the first quarter of the season and the head coach and I know the players and the staff will be doing everything within our power and have been to try to change the result.”

There’s not much else for Haley to say here. It’s easy to shovel blame Haley’s way as the figurehead of the Chiefs, but as La Canfora suggests, the culpability goes far beyond the head coach. Whether this is all overreaction that could be calmed over with a couple of wins or simply the tip of the iceberg to major internal problems remains to be seen, but it’s shaping up to be a long, long season for the Chiefs.

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