Chiefs

You know Chiefs coach Andy Reid. Who were the team’s 12 coaches before him? Find out here

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Kansas City Star archives

As the Kansas City Chiefs enter the playoffs this year, The Star is taking a look back at the team’s history, featuring photos of all the head coaches who have led the franchise.

Over the years, the Chiefs have been coached by Hank Stram, Paul Wiggin, Tom Bettis, Marv Levy, John Mackovic, and Frank Gansz. Later, Marty Schottenheimer, Gunther Cunningham, Dick Vermeil, Herm Edwards, Todd Haley, and Romeo Crennel took the helm.

Most recently, Andy Reid has become the most successful head coach in Chiefs history. Each of these coaches has played a role in shaping the team into what it is today.

From the early days under Hank Stram, who led the team to victory in Super Bowl IV, to the current era of Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ coaching history is rich and diverse. Stram’s leadership from 1960 to 1974 established a solid foundation, while Reid, in his 12 seasons since 2013, has led the team to multiple Super Bowl victories.

Hank Stram

Hank Stram’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs began in 1960 when he was hired as head coach of the Dallas Texans in the AFL. In 1963, he moved with the team to Kansas City, where he led them to three AFL championships and a victory in Super Bowl IV.
Hank Stram’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs began in 1960 when he was hired as head coach of the Dallas Texans in the AFL. In 1963, he moved with the team to Kansas City, where he led them to three AFL championships and a victory in Super Bowl IV. Kansas City Star archives

Paul Wiggin

Paul Wiggin served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1975 to 1977, with a record of 12–30 during his tenure. He was fired on October 31, 1977, after leading the team to a losing record in each of his three seasons as head coach.
Paul Wiggin served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1975 to 1977, with a record of 12–30 during his tenure. He was fired on October 31, 1977, after leading the team to a losing record in each of his three seasons as head coach. Kansas City Star archives

Tom Bettis

Tom Bettis served as interim coach of the Chiefs in 1977 after the firing of Paul Wiggin. In seven games as head coach, Bettis compiled a 1–6 record, ending a 12-year stint as a coach of the Chiefs. He returned in 1988 to be the defensive backs coach of the Chiefs.
Tom Bettis served as interim coach of the Chiefs in 1977 after the firing of Paul Wiggin. In seven games as head coach, Bettis compiled a 1–6 record, ending a 12-year stint as a coach of the Chiefs. He returned in 1988 to be the defensive backs coach of the Chiefs. Kansas City Star archives

Marv Levy

Jerrold McRae, Chiefs’ wide receiver, and Marv Levy confer on the sidelines after a pass went awry. Levy served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978 to 1982, leading the team through steady improvement during his tenure. Despite his efforts, Levy was dismissed after the strike-shortened 1982 season, finishing with a 31–42 record.
Jerrold McRae, Chiefs’ wide receiver, and Marv Levy confer on the sidelines after a pass went awry. Levy served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978 to 1982, leading the team through steady improvement during his tenure. Despite his efforts, Levy was dismissed after the strike-shortened 1982 season, finishing with a 31–42 record. Kansas City Star archives

John Mackovic

John Mackovic served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1983 to 1986, compiling a record of 30–34. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in 15 years during his final season, but was dismissed shortly afterward.
John Mackovic served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1983 to 1986, compiling a record of 30–34. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in 15 years during his final season, but was dismissed shortly afterward. Kansas City Star archives

Frank Gansz

Frank Gansz served as the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1988, compiling a record of 8–22–1.
Frank Gansz served as the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1988, compiling a record of 8–22–1. Kansas City Star archives

Marty Schottenheimer

Chiefs Coach Marty Schottenheimer (left) chatted with his newest quarterback, No. 2 pick Mike Elkins of Wake Forest, at Arrowhead Stadium. Schottenheimer served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998, compiling a 101–58–1 regular season record. During his tenure, the Chiefs won three division titles, made seven playoff appearances, and reached the AFC Championship Game in 1993, where they were defeated by the Buffalo Bills.
Chiefs Coach Marty Schottenheimer (left) chatted with his newest quarterback, No. 2 pick Mike Elkins of Wake Forest, at Arrowhead Stadium. Schottenheimer served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998, compiling a 101–58–1 regular season record. During his tenure, the Chiefs won three division titles, made seven playoff appearances, and reached the AFC Championship Game in 1993, where they were defeated by the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City Star archives

Gunther Cunningham

Gunther Cunningham, right, with general manager Carl Peterson after a game at Arrowhead, served as the Kansas City Chiefs head coach in 1999–2000.
Gunther Cunningham, right, with general manager Carl Peterson after a game at Arrowhead, served as the Kansas City Chiefs head coach in 1999–2000. Kansas City Chiefs archives

Dick Vermeil

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil accepts congratulations from Chiefs fans after the 37-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 1, 2006 at Arrowhead Stadium. Vermeil announced his retirement to the team the night before. Vermeil served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2005, leading the team to consistent playoff appearances. Under his leadership, the Chiefs won the AFC West title in 2003. Vermeil finished his tenure with a 44–36 record.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil accepts congratulations from Chiefs fans after the 37-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 1, 2006 at Arrowhead Stadium. Vermeil announced his retirement to the team the night before. Vermeil served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 to 2005, leading the team to consistent playoff appearances. Under his leadership, the Chiefs won the AFC West title in 2003. Vermeil finished his tenure with a 44–36 record. Kansas City Star archives

Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards served as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2006 to 2008. During his tenure, the Chiefs posted a record of 15 wins and 33 losses, including a playoff appearance in his first season.
Herm Edwards served as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2006 to 2008. During his tenure, the Chiefs posted a record of 15 wins and 33 losses, including a playoff appearance in his first season. Kansas City Star archives

Todd Haley

Todd Haley served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2011, leading the team to an AFC West title in 2010 but finishing with an overall record of 21–27. He was dismissed on December 12, 2011, during a 5–8 season, less than a year after the team’s first division title since 2003. Haley is seen here with quarterback Matt Cassel in 2011.
Todd Haley served as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2011, leading the team to an AFC West title in 2010 but finishing with an overall record of 21–27. He was dismissed on December 12, 2011, during a 5–8 season, less than a year after the team’s first division title since 2003. Haley is seen here with quarterback Matt Cassel in 2011. Kansas City Star archives

Romeo Crennel

Romeo Crennel served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach for three games in 2011 and the entire 2012 season, making him the shortest-tenured head coach in the franchise’s history. He was dismissed after the 2012 season, which was statistically the worst in team history, with a 2–14 record.
Romeo Crennel served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach for three games in 2011 and the entire 2012 season, making him the shortest-tenured head coach in the franchise’s history. He was dismissed after the 2012 season, which was statistically the worst in team history, with a 2–14 record. Kansas City Star archives

Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hoists the Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Reid has been the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, compiling a 143–52 record and leading the team to Super Bowl victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Prior to joining the Chiefs, Reid coached the Philadelphia Eagles for 14 seasons, posting a 130–93–1 record. Over his 26-year career, he has accumulated a combined 273–145–1 record, including a 26–16 playoff record.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hoists the Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Reid has been the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, compiling a 143–52 record and leading the team to Super Bowl victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Prior to joining the Chiefs, Reid coached the Philadelphia Eagles for 14 seasons, posting a 130–93–1 record. Over his 26-year career, he has accumulated a combined 273–145–1 record, including a 26–16 playoff record. Kansas City Star archives
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Monty Davis
The Kansas City Star
Monty Davis is a video producer and has been with The Kansas City Star for 20 years. He specializes in telling human interest video stories using mobile gear such as his iPhone 13 Pro. Recently he took up an interest in deltiology which is the study and collection of postcards. From that came a new series for The Star called Past | Present. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with family, his pugs, kayaking and reading historical biographies about the American Revolution and the Civil War.
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