Weekend Cup O’Chiefs
The purge of the Chiefs personnel department ended on Friday with one more firing.
Administrative assistant Rosalind Ward was released Friday morning, bringing to eight the number of department employees that lost their jobs this past week.
The Chiefs have not announced any of the outgoing employees, but GM Scott Pioli did announce some incoming hires and holdovers.
Phil Emery has left the Atlanta Falcons to become the director of college scouting for the Chiefs. Former Patriots scout Jim Nagy was hired with the title of regional scout and Jay Muraco, Pat Sperduto and Rod Perry were named area scouts. Perry was with the team last year as personnel department assistant. Muraco comes over from the Patriots.
Those last three join the holdover area scouts Willie Davis and Terry Delp. Also staying is director of pro personnel Ray Famer.
This type of turnover is common when the leadership at the top of the organization changes. Pioli wants people he knows and scouts who understand what he’s looking for in players, whether they are coming out of college or already in pro football.
So far, however, the changes have cost the Chiefs a great deal of experience when it comes to player personnel and scouting pro football.
The group of departed scouts – Bill Kuharich, Chuck Cook, Bruce Lemmerman, Cornell Gowdy, Mike Hagen, Matt Littlefield and Greg Olejack – had a combined 129 years of experience on the pro football level (NFL or Canadian Football League) when it came to evaluating talent.
The new additions, including Pioli, have a total of 62 years of experience working the personnel end of pro football in the NFL or CFL. Add in Delp, Farmer and Davis and the total moves to 80 years of pro experience in the department.
That’s quite a difference in experience and would indicate that Pioli should have more hires in the personnel pipeline. Through the 2008 season, the New England Patriots listed 15 people in their personnel department with a vice-president (Pioli), director, college scouting coordinator and assistant director, national scout, eight area scouts, one pro scout, a scouting consultant and a special assignment scout.
Right now the Chiefs have a director of college scouting, a regional scout, five area scouts and a director of pro personnel.
Here are the new guys:
EMERY: has worked in the NFL for the past 12 seasons, starting as an area scout with Chicago (1998-04) and then the Atlanta Falcons (2004-2008) as director of college scouting. Prior to joining the Bears, Emery worked in college football including eight years as director of strength and conditioning services at the U.S. Naval Academy.
SPERDUTO: coached with Pioli back at Murray State in 1991, at the same time he was playing in the Arena Football League with Tampa Bay. He later had two different stints as head coach of the Nashville Kats, an AFL team operated by Titans owner Bud Adams. He spent seven years working in the Titans pro personnel department until June ‘08 when he was hired as head coach of the Columbus Destroyers of the AFL. The indoor league shut down for the 2009 season. He also contributed to a website called Fantasy Football Times, and his post on December 23 included this line: “Rumor has it that the Chiefs are hot after the Patriots Scott Pioli.”
MURACO: got to know Pioli when he volunteered to work in the personnel department of the Cleveland Browns from 1992-95. Pioli was there at the same time as a pro personnel assistant. He spent four seasons (1996-99) in the personnel department of the Eagles and joined the Patriots in 2000 as college scouting coordinator.
NAGY: Spent seven years with the Patriots as an area scout, after serving a year as a regional scout for the Redskins. He also spent four years as director of NFL Scouting for War Room Scouting, Inc., a pay-scouting service available on the Internet. Nagy spent four years as a recruiting coordinator for the SFX Sports Group of agents and wrote a weekly NFL column for The Sporting News for two years.
PERRY: Joined the Chiefs last year as a personnel department assistant. He played college football and baseball at both Southern California and Penn State. He was on the roster of the St. Louis Rams in 2004 as a wide receiver. Prior to joining the Chiefs last year he interned for one year with the Cleveland Browns personnel department.
MINI-CAMP ROUNDUP AROUND THE LEAGUE
- Vikings No. 1 draft choice WR Percy Harvin is absent from Minnesota’s mini-camp because of severe dehydration. He’s in an Atlanta hospital where he was taken after becoming ill on a plane flight from Florida to Atlanta. Doctors have ruled out swine flu, but they planned to keep him overnight Friday before releasing him on Saturday …
- Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said Matt Stafford was “overanxious” in his first day on the practice field with the team. The Lions mini-camp started on Friday. “It’s Matthew and probably 90 percent of the guys out here, when you go through a first practice, you’re so anxious to get going and you’re out of control,” Schwartz said. “Later in practice, you start settling down. We saw that with Matthew, chomping at the bit early and wild with some throws. Then, he started settling into a groove and working together with the receivers.”
- Mark Sanchez went through the first day of rookie mini-camp with the Jets on Friday. Expected to compete with Kellen Clemens for the starting job in training camp, Sanchez left no doubt about his goal. “You do not grow up dreaming to be a backup,” Sanchez said. “That is just the way I feel about it. I am going to compete like heck, and we will see what happens.”
- At the Arizona mini-camp, disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett showed up, but both players did not practice because of previously unreported hamstring injuries. Both players are locked in contrct squabbles with the Cardinals. “They showed up last night and reported an injury that we weren’t aware of,” said Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt, “so as part of our procedure, we sent them for MRIs. Hey, we know what’s going on, so I’m really not going to have much to say about that.”
- Carolina franchise player DE Julius Peppers did not report to the Panthers mini-camp and still wants to be traded by the Panthers. “It’s kind of what I expected. He hasn’t signed his tender yet,” Panthers coach John Fox said. “I know he’s working out. He’ll be in great shape.” Panthers general manager Marty Hurney remained confident there will be a happy ending of Peppers dressed in his familiar No. 90 jersey on the first day of training camp this summer. Hurney said he remains in contact with Carl Carey, Peppers’ agent. “It’s all been positive,” Hurney said. “It just takes time.”
- The Steelers opened their mini-camp on Friday without ILB Larry Foote. He’s started every game in Pittsburgh the last five seasons, but will either be traded or released sometime in the next week. Foote, a seven-year veteran is unhappy at becoming a situational player who left the field on passing downs. The Steelers will release Foote if they don’t find a deal.
SIGNING & MOVEMENT AROUND THE NFL
PACKERS – released DT Fred Bledsoe
STEELERS – signed WR Shaun McDonald and P Kirk Johnson.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
May 2
Born on May 2, 1949 in Fredrick, Maryland was DE Bob Maddox. He played two seasons with the Chiefs (1975-76), appearing in 14 games with 12 starts.
Born on May 2, 1980 in Kissimmee, Florida was G/T Brett Williams. The Chiefs fourth-round choice in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Florida State, Williams appeared in five games with the Chiefs in 2005.
May 3
Born on May 3, 1978 in Scotland was K Lawrence Tynes. He kicked in 48 games over three seasons (2004-06) with the Chiefs, making 81 of his 114 FG attempts.
Does anyone know how Foote does/ did as a rush LBer? Might be interesting to have him in KC as the predator. IMO, that could be one of the most important positons of need on our team post-draft.
This dead horse is beat badly. Its apparent Bob may have a sour taste in his mouth over some of the scouting personnel fired this past week. The 129 years experience is great and all, however our drafting has been nothing better than average. Out with the old in with the new all throughout this organization. I LIKE IT!
Experience is great but when unwilling to change it can be detrimental, amen Nick L. Cant wait to see what happens next!!!!!!!!!
If we want Pioli/Haley to succeed, they must have the personnel they feel they need. I guess we have nothing else to talk about. I noticed none of us mentioned any of the signed free agents and that only gives those with personal likes to mention players. Sort of boring around here isn’t it.
Nick and Dave,
Right with you guys I am enjoying what I see and willing to wait and see how the Coach’s and players produce throughout the season before I start throwing darts. I really think they will turn this around.
RedandGold,
As for Foote he is a go getter has a high motor and does the dirty work. I would really like to see them also develop some younger LBs. Foote is the type that would fit in this group they are building and I would much rather have him than Thomas but if they add him it only could help.
tm1946,
I like the OL pick ups not sure about the draft pick but we will see. The LB’s and WR are old but our youth needs wisdom obviously. Yes, everyone should enjoy the Cassel pick up as that was a steal in my mind he should be good.
To clarify I’m not sure on the OL Draft pick. I like the rest and the RB in the 7th could be a sleeper I really like him.
.
Yep, the old regime and all it’s various pieces got us absolutely nowhere. Our drafts weren’t very good so why keep the people making the selection suggestions.
Also, if you’ll read the article it’s states that Foote was unhappy with coming off the field in passing situations, that probably tells us all we need to know about his pass rush skills.
In Pioli and Haley we do not trust…we are doomed.
anonymous,
Not sure what makes you think that or if you just like to try and get a rise out of someone. Regardless this is the internet, what are you afraid to put your ordinary username down its not like someone is going to come through the computer and wack you?
I just read that Foote was unhappy because he was being taken out on third down, and thus reduced playing time. I’m not sure if that means he’s not good at rusing the passer or that he is not a good cover LB. The article siad he is an inside LB. We’ll just have to wait and see if the Chiefs are interested.
I agree with previous posters that indicate it appears that Bob has a real hard-on for Pioli over letting the scouts go. He always adds that it happens all the time, but this story has been on the website day after day.
Experience is all well and good, but it doesn’t mean you are good at what you do, or even competent. Drafts in KC have been mediocre at best for years. I realize the scouts don’t make the picks, but they are part of the team that does. Experience just means you have been at it for a long time. Nothing more. I would much rather have someone with little experience, but have a knack for identifying talent. Sometimes there are jobs that you can either just “do” or your can’t. This is one of them. There is no real science to it in the end that can be learned from time in the job. Piloi will get it right.
Foote would be a huge upgrade over DJ at ILB.
As far as the the big Puss that’s taking others ID’s, I’d guess it’s conehead1978!
Well, on the Foote deal…here’s what is said about Lawrence Timmons, the guy who was playing behind him (and about to take his job):
“Timmons, the team’s first-round pick in 2007, had 71 tackles, five sacks and an interception last season. The 6-1, 234-pounder is athletic and versatile enough to defend both the run and the pass. He is also one of the Steelers’ hardest hitters, and, at the age of 22, Timmons still has a pretty high ceiling as far as growth.”
When you’re an eight-year veteran, and entering the final year of your contract…you have pretty much become expendable. I don’t think it’s a matter of Foote’s skills at all. He’s also known as a vocal leader on the Pittsburg team…and well respected by his coaches and his teammates. He’ll make somebody a good pick-up after he’s released. I would imagine that there will be many teams who will go after him. I hope we’re one of them.
Bob, I can really care less about the “experience” of the staff. It is the results that account. It was time for some fresh blood. This scouting department had grown stale. The change may also do these guys that were released good too. They will get to go to a new place and it may reinvigorate them. The bottom line is that a change was needed and a new G.M. should be able to select his own people and people that he knows and is familiar with and that share the same vision and philosophy as he does. He knows what to expect out of them and they know what he expects of them. You cannot field a winning organization if you have five different people in your staff going in five different directions. It has to be one focused goal and vision with a single purpose. Everyone has to be on the same page. If they aren’t, then they need to go.
B in SC,
I agree that the author has a problem with the Chiefs new management, but I suggest it’s the opposite of hard on, I think it’s flacidity that the author has suffered from, and it started at the end of last season when Peterson was FIRED! Then to pour additioanal ice water into his already cold bath, Herm got his just desserts, again FIRED! Now the last of his good ol boy network has also been terminated.
The author misses no opportunity (if real or precieved by him) to take shots at the new regime. But in his defense he feels a bit ummm, should we say inadaquit.
actually bob’s articles on it are a lot less sad than adam t….
A fan with a draft magazine and a pulse could have drafted better than Carl.
Thank god the Chiefs have new blood in the personnel department. Are the new guys better? Who knows? But it was high time someone made some changes around here!
It wasn’t only the high picks that the former bunch F’d up, it was the way Peterson delt with FA and their resignings, or the lack there of. Hell, there’s a list a mile long of guys that he pissed off or just flat refused to even try and resign, that are still making big time contributions to their new teams. But the biggest F up was not get Allen resigned, but giving LJ the keys to the franchise!
INEXCUSABLE & STUPID!
A draft magazine and a pulse! LMAO!!! That was a good one colby! Loved it!
Bob identity theft is agaisnt the law & liable in court . Its your website You control our identity . I feel if the person continues to put words in our mouth by using our Blog name . We well have to ask for his identity which wouldn’t be hard to get.
If Bob would just set up a system where we could register a name with our emails, this problem would instantly go away. It would be good for the website.
Bob,
Spend less time on those worthless bottom of the birdcage articles for a week or two and set up a username system. I think we all know who it is who is misrepresenting everyone as he has done it numerous times to numerous posters over the past few months. Setting up a username system is not difficult to do Bob. If you are clever enough to run Patriots adds on your site, you can figure out how to give your loyal bloggers (who I’m sure bring in extra hits for you) their own username.
FIX IT!
To Colby does it start with the letter A ? That’s my take on it .
Previously starting with the letter R.
Freaky news!
AN air bubble type practice facility at Valley Ranch has colapsed during a thunderstorm. Injuries reported, EMS is responding. Team was at facility.
Any one else getting any news on this?
Go to Dallas News 4 hurt so far
ESPN is reporting that is was 4 STAFF MEMBERS injured.
It was the actual indoor practice facility. No players were injured. Special teams coach, secondary coach and some support staff. 10 people in all were injured so considering pretty good as this whole facility went down.
WOW!
pretty remarkable video of actual collapse on a local cable news channel here.
Channel 11 news (CBS) was actually at facility and one of there crew was injured. Had 60 to 65mph winds.
Whoops, my name starts with an R. I admit it, it’s me.
Real nice…. Hurry up with the log-ins Bob.
Pioli is making the tough decisions that need to be made to rescue this franchise. It’s tough on Bob to see his friends go, and his insider access lost, but the previous staff, from Carl on down, were failures, with the exception of those Pioli is retaining who he thinks are salvagable. Good job scott. Whatever it takes.
I don’t know if Pioli/Haley can “rescue” the team or not. But we do know Peterson+Marty+Gun+Herm=one apperance in an AFC Championship game!
OH! And enough profit to fund the Hunt family’s purchase of not one, but two soccer teams!
Aren’t ya proud?!
Got your tickets yet?
Oops Left out Vermil!
Scott, yes hopefully we put our best “FOOTE” forward!