[Yahoo Sports] Barring a serious change in direction, Tony Gonzalez still wants out of Kansas City – even more so if the Chiefs bring in a college coach, such as Kirk Ferentz of Iowa. Aside from Ferentz, the Chiefs are expected to interview Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley, Minnesota defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
Speaking in the dressing room of the Pro Bowl players’ hotel Tuesday, Gonzalez said he expects to hear of a decision about Kansas City’s next coach by Thursday. The 12-year veteran tight end and Pro Bowl regular restated his basic desire to go elsewhere, the week after spending time in Tampa in advance of the Super Bowl. Gonzalez is hoping to finish his career with an appearance of his own in the title game; he has appeared in the playoffs only three times in his career, losing each time.
Gonzalez’s desire for a deal follows his push in October for a trade – an effort thwarted when then-Chiefs president Carl Peterson refused to make the deal, leaving Gonzalez incensed. Even the departure of Peterson and the arrival of Scott Pioli from New England hasn’t quelled Gonzalez’s angst.
Still, he did seem mildly interested in Haley or Gailey.
“I want to see who they name as head coach,” Gonzalez said. “Yeah, I hear they’re talking to Todd Haley, but then there’s this coach [Ferentz] from Iowa State, some [expletive] like that and I don’t want to deal with that. It seems like we’re rebuilding anyway, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t know that I want to do that any more than I already have been.”
So Gonzalez seems far more interested in a future elsewhere, even if it would be somewhat bittersweet. He said he hadn’t yet talked to Pioli or team owner Clark Hunt but said he wants to be careful about how he proceeds. He has been frustrated with not only the team’s results but also moves such as trading defensive end Jared Allen, who is playing on the NFC Pro Bowl team this week.
“I love Kansas City. I really do. If I could stay there, I would. That’s why this is going to be a tough decision,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve been rebuilding. It hasn’t really seemed to go well. We won four [in 2007] and two this year. It’s getting tough. – I don’t want to make it seem to the fans in Kansas City and to my teammates that I’m abandoning them. I hope, I think, they’ll understand.”
I hope the Chiefs get the deal done with Haley! With that said I hope Haley has the right words to convince Tony to stay in KC.
Comment by JoeDirt — February 4, 2009 @ 11:14 am
Don’t know who they will pick for HC. I know Pioli knows what he is doing, so I will trust whoever he picks. I understand Tony’s frustration. It’s the same frustration us fans are feeling. We all want to win. I hope he gets what he is looking for. But selfishly, I hope it is with us.
Comment by Jeff in VA — February 4, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
trade him to the pats in exchange for cassel that way we don’t lose to many picks in april. I love tony and want him to stay but he changes his mind more than my girl changes panties
Comment by kc chris — February 4, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Only if we can get a 2nd round pick.
Comment by Nate — February 4, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
wtf is everyones deal with Cassel? He’s not proven and you want to lose talent as good as TOny for him? What would you be saying if that trade went through and Thigpen of all people beat out Cassell in camp? I bet you’d feel like an ass then!
Comment by xfatdannx — February 4, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
What a mess. Tony doesn’t want to seem like he’s bailing on the team, but he is. Who knows…. I guess I can’t blame him. And I’m sure he’s pissed that Jared got traded, but Carl wouldn’t pull the trigger on his trade.
I’m not sold on Haley.
Warner, Fitzgerald, Boldin, James, good O-Line……… I’d sure HOPE that the O.C. would have a good year!! How could he not?
And Cassell…. I don’t want to jump the gun on an average QB that got put into a good system with good players around him.
Cassell would suck behind this O Line…..And Damon Huard would put up Cassell-like numbers behind NE’s line and NE’s RB’s and NE’s receivers…..
Comment by Johnny 5 — February 4, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
so this is what the chiefs should do . . . . trade their first pick to the patriots for matt cassel (he’ll be cheaper then any other top 5 pick at 14 million/yr) and then trade tony G to someone for a (2nd and a 3rd) that would give us a chance at 2 good 2nd round picks, which is were most of the quality talent will probably go this year, and 2 good 3rd round picks.
with those two picks in the 2nd round we should take a crack at (WR) p. harvin (Fla) and possibly that tall wirey DE from GATech. he’s got a big frame and a lot of speed, good tools for the NFL.
With the two picks in the 3rd round we should target C. Daniels (Mizz) a hometown kid with a lot of upside. not very big, but his intelligence and experience in a spread formation will help if Haley becomes our new coach. either way cassel should still start next year, if we can get him. then with the other pick in the 3rd round we should look at another WR or OT, depending on who’s left.
After the first three rounds we can go into the second day of the draft and target o-linemen and some speedy pass rushers. if all goes well the chiefs should come out of the draft knowing the direstion of the team for years to come. just hope its the right direction
Comment by KC111110 — February 4, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Pioli doesn’t spend first day picks on quarterbacks. He should not start now. I am not sure he likes picking at 3. So he will be conservitive and take OL or MLB.
Comment by David in VA — February 4, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
OK, enough now TG! You know, I dont understand, I mean you get paid big bucks to play a game. Lets trade this guy and get something for him while we can. Geez…………….
Comment by Glen — February 4, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Pioli has never had to draft a QB in the 1st round because he had Drew Bledsoe, then when bledsoe went down they went to backup QB Tom Brady who happened to be a stud. Why would you ever draft a 1st day QB when you have Brady.
Comment by chefs — February 4, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
Bye Gonzo, don’t let the door hit you and what not. Last thing we need is ANOTHER cancer in the locker room this season.
Comment by Jesse-James — February 4, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Before we get rid of Tony, can we PLEASE get rid of LJ. I respect Tony for wanting out because his career is coming to a close. But LJ is just a whiney little b**ch and i can’t f**king stand him. Get rid of LJ for a third, fourth, or fifth rounder….i dont care. As long as he’s not on the team we will be fine. Look on the bright side, we lost 7 games last year within 7 points or less. This was also with a messy, banged up defense. If our defense heals this year, and we get some good picks from this draft, don’t count us out. Last but not least, leave Thigpen in there. He did awesome for the situation that he was put in. With last year’s experience he should be a better player this year…AS LONG AS WE GET RID OF LJ!!! Can anyone imagine us getting Todd Haley and then he drafts Crabtree. With that we have a Bowe-Crabtree combo similar to his Bolden-Fitzgerald.
Comment by DB — February 4, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Tony G has been anything but a “cancer” in his years in arrowhead. for fans to turn their backs on him is ubderstandable but to question his demeanor is wrong. this guy is a class act and has always been a true professional. it would be sad to see him go, and i will not wish him well in any other colors, but that does not mean i will lose any respect for the man. the NFL and the Chiefs need more players like him.
Comment by KC111110 — February 4, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Xfatdanx is right. Cassle couldn’t help but do well with the talent surrounding him. Kinda the same way LJ could run with an Oline and couldnt without one. We need to Draft another OL or MLB or possibly a DE who can actualy pass rush.
Comment by Rick — February 4, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
cassel would be the best QB in our depth chart if we got him, and lets not forget thigpen couldnt beat croyle, or huard for the spot last year. he’s a backup at best, who happened to have a couple good games last year. he isnt a long term QB. he will be one of the players who will disappear and we will all remember as a player ruined from the days of “the HERMinator: team destroyer”
Comment by KC111110 — February 4, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
I read this on rotoworld (below). What the heck is wrong with this guy. I mean………..shut your pie-hole already TG!!!!
Tony Gonzalez now refutes a Yahoo Sports report that he wants out of Kansas City.
Gonzo wants to see who his new coach would be. “I have not asked for a trade,” he said. “There are reasons I would ask for a trade, but depending on the coach they bring in and the free-agent acquisitions, I could easily be a Chief next year, too. In fact, that’s the direction I want to go.” Gonzo may still ask out of K.C. if the Chiefs hire a head coach from the college ranks. Feb. 4 – 5:39 pm et
Comment by Glen — February 4, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
This team is terrible and needs to be blown apart. That includes TG. Wish him well and send him on his way.
Comment by JadeRose — February 4, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
He is frankly becoming nauseating! First he wants to be traded at mid-season last year, then says he wants Edwards to stay, and now that the Chiefs will be a viable team moving in the right direction with a new management team, he wants out again! I say, as great as he has been, he has also been a member of a team that has not won a playoff game while he’s been there. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t he on the team as well, and I don’t recall any outstanding games from him when he did make the playoffs! I think he caught Edwardsitis this past year. I say trade him and be rid of this nonsense! The team is now in full committment to winning mode and if he’s not on board, dump him! I believe he’s letting some of those stupid cooking shows he did on TV get to him!
Comment by Goldzone — February 4, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
Im usually all for getting rid of people when its appropriate. Im a little bit amazed at how quickly the people in KC have turned against him, and notice I say people instead of fans, because your not showing a whole lot of support for one of the best players, humanitarians and class acts ever to come through this team. Dont let the door hit you on the way out? Cancer in the lockerroom? As I recall he was the one who stepped up after not getting traded and did pretty much everything in his human power to help this team try to win ANY games towards the end of the season.
His words were essentially twisted by Yahoo sports, which is not know as the most reliable source to begin with. He essentially said he doesn’t want to be around in Kirk Farentz comes to town, in which case I don’t blame him because we will see another couple of years of terrible production from this team. I love Iowa football, and im still not sure that Farentz is the best coach for THAT team even, having had little sucess before or after the Drew Tate era, until this year with the emergence of Ricky Stanzi and Shonne Green. One good thing I can say is that Iowa teams have generally had decent looking defenses considering they were generally undersized.
Comment by pentekno2 — February 4, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
S C R E W Cassel….jeebus…the guy has one decent season and you’re all ready to name him our next savior. To hell with all that. Until he has another season (which he won’t) like that, I would not trade Blackledge for Cassel wait……ANYHOW. Pick up Jeremy Maclin in the first round to go right along side D-Bowe. For ONCE KC pick up an all star reciever that has some speeeeeeeeed! Then go oline oline oline, sprinkle in some middle linebacker here and there, top it all off with a 6th round QB pickup, and VIOLA! We have ourselves a team. Oh and Tony……yer my daddy and I want to stay in KC!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DADDY DON’T GOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Comment by Gonzo is my daddy! — February 4, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
I don’t think I could see the Chiefs drafting a receiver in the first round unless they trade down and pick up additional picks in order to justify doing so.
There are far too many other glaring needs out there right now. The offensive line and defense HAVE to be addressed. They aren’t going to get through another season running that pistol offense and not having a good running game. The right side of the Offensive line leaves alot to be desired.
And I think that were ALL aware of the problems with the pass rush and the linebacking corps. I could see perhaps a play at Peppers, but with so much invested in Dorsey, who has only had 1 year to play, I don’t think I see them going after Haynesworth. We can’t jump off and call Dorsey a bust quite yet. After 1 year Dorsey’s stats are comparable to those of Haynesworths rookie season. In fact, his first 3 years were nothing to write home about – he didn’t simply step into the league and compete for defensive player of the year either. Im not saying that Dorsey is in fact the next AH, im just saying that we forget that just because a guy is a high overall pick, still doesn’t mean that they need time to develope to playing NFL ball.
Comment by pentekno2 — February 4, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
kc111110 ill agree with you about tony g not being a cancer BUT you must be smoking crack if youd trade the third pick in the draft for cassel. i dont have the stats but didnt thigpen have a better year with our lovely chiefs than cassel did with the pats. he might not have as big of numbers but the guy only played what? nine games? im not saying thigpen is the answer but neither is cassel. put down the pipe buddy.
Comment by truechiefsfan — February 4, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
Some of you amaze and confuse me. We all have the right to our opinions, which is why this forum is here, however, I question the thought process behind some of the above statements.
Firstly, what in the hell is this obsession with Matt Cassel. Yes he had a great year….on a pretty good team….with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and great pass catching backs, not to mention Belichick. Not to mention trading a pick to a team in the AFC that doesn’t need help from anyone else to make their team better, 1st or 7th. And the Chase Daniel thing? Please…..did anyone watch him fall apart this season. He’ll be lucky to make a roster. As far as Thigpen, not beating out Huard or Croyle, he wasn’t supposed to and quite sure he wasn’t given the opportunity. Look at the numbers at the end of the year…..I don’t think it’s even worth the comparison.
Secondly, letting TG get away would be close to the worst thing we could do. Yes his value is high. FOR EVERYONE INCLUDING US. What should we expect to get for him? Draft someone or bring in someone that we hope can fill his space? JESUS!!!!! Who is going to match his production numbers? His numbers are comparitive to elite receivers….and you want to trade him and draft a receiver? Give me a break! With all due respect to TG and my wishing him ultimate success, it needs to be in a Chiefs’ uniform.
If you study the game, know the game, play the game, then you know what we need to do. We are loosing the battle on the line of scrimmage on both sides, PERIOD!!! All this speculation about skill positions makes NO DIFFERENCE!!!!
The Kansas City Chiefs need to get back to what made them successful. That was a bunch of good, strong character players, like TG, that put out 100% effort for the team, not just for themselves when they feel like it….like LJ. TRich, Kimble Anders, Mike Maslowski, DT, James Hasty…you get the picture. Pioli will make the right moves and put us in a position to forget the past few years.
Comment by Travis — February 4, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
Jade Rose, please go somewhere where nerds hang out, that way you will feel welcome and liked. By the way, we still don’t know if you are a dude or a girl, maybe you’re a shim.
Comment by Chief Tom — February 4, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
Let me make myself clear on T.G. He has been a great player (Hall of Fame), but if he is not willing to get on board with the new direction and the new coaching staff as well as G.M., then I say it is time to turn the page! C. Hunt finally did what he needed to do long ago and we don’t need a veteran with only a couple of years left dictating terms and stirring up the pot! I know if he is with the Chiefs, he has proven that he can put all of the issues aside and produce, but these types of statements just don’t make sense with the Chiefs new and much needed direction. By the way, whoever becomes the next coach, (Haley?), we will be rebuilding the right way with quality people that know what it takes to win and Tony needs to get on board or move on! Lead, Follow or get out of the way!
Comment by Goldzone — February 5, 2009 @ 2:43 am
Thigpen’s Stats
http://www.nfl.com/players/tylerthigpen/careerstats?id=THI677677
Cassel’s Stats
http://www.nfl.com/players/mattcassel/careerstats?id=CAS541133
Check out the numbers and tell me thigpen had a better year, cassel did play two more games then thigpen.
And “truechiefsfan” not smoking crack, and learn to read, i said a 1st rounder for cassel, HE’S WORTH IT. and did everybody forget how thigpen helped us lose almost every single game this year??? ya lets bring that crap back. and its been said that the only stats that really matter in the NFL are wins and losses.
Comment by KC111110 — February 5, 2009 @ 9:57 am
trade him!
Comment by Kirk — February 5, 2009 @ 11:02 am
Whoever said that Pioli does not like picking at the #3 spot in the draft is nuts. Why would he not like having a top pick? I think that he is very excited about having a top 5 pick just like any GM would be.
Comment by Chief Brad — February 5, 2009 @ 11:37 am
If Tony wants out don’t let the door hit him in the ass. I am so tired of these professional athletes dictating when they’ll play, who they’ll play for and under what conditions. They are paid millions to play a game that most people can’t afford to take their family out to see. Stop the whining and ask what you can do to help this team. I think it’s so funny how some fans are standing up for Tony agaist anyone who says call his bluff and ship his ass out of here when they should be pissed that Tony is showing no loyalty to the fans and if you were broke down on the side of the road I doubt he would stop to help. Feel free to support our team but don’t tell me that I should kiss Tony’s ass just to keep him here so that he could be a cancer in the locker room next season. I love Tony but it’s time he showed some love back.
Comment by mark f. — February 5, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I totally agree mark. Tony’s signature is on his contract,if he don’t want to stay he shouldn’t have signed it.
Comment by TD47 — February 5, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
I am a Chiefs fan, not a fan of a specific player or coach. If TG wants out I say, good bye and not good luck to him. Sorry, I am a Chiefs fan like I said.
Comment by Glen — February 5, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
Yeah, I agree with mark f.
He wants to get a ring, but what the f**k good is it if it’s not with the Chiefs? What kind of team mate wants to bail out on his team when they aren’t doing so well? I have grown tired of him threatening to leave year after year. Another thing, If he does go somewhere else and he thinks it will be a Super Bowl contending team, I hope that team bombs and goes like 3-13. The Chiefs have always been good to TG and paid him very well. I think it’s kind of s**tty for him to just walk out on us.
Comment by Chief Tom — February 5, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
http://www.msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9180456/Gonzalez:-I'm-willing-to-stick-with-Chiefs
Please take a look at the above story on msn foxsports. Sounds like the 1st reporter caught him in a pissy mood:-)
Comment by Tammy H — February 5, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
I’ve never posted on here before. I would just like to comment on how nobody seems willing to give Thigpen a chance at QB next year. Why trade for Cassel or waist a high pick on a QB? Shouldn’t we try to improve the line and receiving corps. and see what Thigpen can do then. He did much better than anyone expected him to this year. With more talent around him, he would be able to prove himself. Pioli has proven to be able to improve teams through the draft. Just let things play out before you decide to trow Thigpen out. And why all the talk about improving the offense when it’s our defense that seems to be able to lose every game for us. As far as Gonzalez leaving, we can trade him for some good young talent or a relatively high draft pick. He probably doesn’t have that much longer in him anyway. If he wants out, let him go and get for him what you can. He’s not going to be around for ever anyway.
Comment by B Thompson — February 5, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Wow…..let’s just get it over with and get Cassel, then we can all see him fall apart since he did play on a GREAT team. He’s not a franchise QB, why do you think he’s been a back up? Sure he’s been in Brady’s shadow, but c’mon with Moss and Welker, even I could make most of those passes.
I do NOT want to see Cassel here, he has had one year, maybe if he’s played for 3 years and the numbers are consistent, then sure I’d love to see him playing in the red and gold. BUT, you’re giving in to all of the hype. If the guy produces those numbers on another team, then I’ll eat my words, but until then I remain hungry. Besides NE dropped the franny-tag on him today.
Comment by Gonzo is my daddy! — February 5, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
Either way . . . . CASSEL IS STILL BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE !!!!!!
Comment by KC111110 — February 5, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
How is it fair to directly compare Thigpen vs Cassel’s numbers? Let me tell you how its not.
1. Solid offensive line.
2. Pro bowl receivers.
3. Backs that can catch.
4. Balanced offensive attack.
5. Defense that didn’t require the offense to win games.
6. This was Cassel’s 4th year in the same system, at no.2 qb for the last 2 years.
It is my opinion that this isn’t even a relevant conversation. You are comparing apples to oranges. Besides, the Chiefs have proven as of late that you cannot count on a free agent to produce as they were prior to coming to the Chiefs.
Comment by Travis — February 5, 2009 @ 9:33 pm
And the Pats franchised Cassel today. Game over.
Comment by Travis — February 5, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
And the Pats franchised Cassel today. Game over.
Comment by Travis — February 5, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
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hahahhahahahhahahhahaahhhhahahhahhaha I spewed Love that comment
Comment by kcchiefs19692003 — February 5, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
And the Pats franchised Cassel today. Game over.
Comment by Travis
hahahhahahahhahahhahaahhhhahahhahhaha I spewed Love that comment
Comment by kcchiefs19692003 — February 5, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
“Chiefs Receive Permission to Speak with Haley”
read my draft idea in that section
Comment by kcchiefs19692003 — February 5, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
definitely game over, they want 2 first round picks for Cassel. That’s insane! Nobody would be stupid enough to do that.
Well, okay……….the Raiders, but they already have a QB that they are wasting money on.
Comment by Chief Tom — February 5, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
I feel u TG Im not even mad at ya bro
Comment by Darius — February 6, 2009 @ 10:20 am
“Jade Rose, please go somewhere where nerds hang out, that way you will feel welcome and liked. By the way, we still don’t know if you are a dude or a girl, maybe you’re a shim.” – Comment #24 by Chief Tom — Feb 4, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
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HOOORRAAY!!! Another brilliant observation from the very clever Chief Tom. It’s so refreshing that you are not at all embarrassed by 3rd Grade level responses. Way to go!
Comment by JD — February 6, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
trade lj keep tg because if we make the playoffs and get to where we want to be next season than tg will get his superbowl ring red and gold forever GOOOOOOOOOOO chiefs
Comment by michael diedrich — February 7, 2009 @ 9:45 am
Jade Rose sounds like a faider fan or a donky fan or may be evern a bolts fan i don’t know all i know is they need to get of of this site and leave us chiefs fans alone and for all of you tg haters as well show him some love he wants to stay so he well be with us next year and so on next year superbowl champs kansas city chiefs ok
Comment by michael diedrich — February 10, 2009 @ 1:20 am