REPORT: CHIEFS NEAR DEAL WITH SHANAHAN

On the same day that a former Broncos coach made a big stir by unexpectedly arising as a candidate for offensive coordinator in San Fran, another former Broncos coach is also potentially resurfacing in an unexpected place. On Thursday, we pointed out that there were increasing rumors and reports of the Chiefs possibly hiring former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. The rumors and reports were knocked down in various circles.Now, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the Chiefs are close to a deal with Shanahan. Wow. Unless the Soul Man exception indeed applies based on Shanahan’s spray tan, the move would necessarily mean that the Chiefs interviewed at least one minority candidate and possibly other non-minority candidates under one of the tightest lids that ever have been kept on a multi-candidate coaching search. Shanahan was unexpectedly fired by the Broncos in December after 14 years with the team. If the deal goes through, the Chiefs will be the third AFC team that Shanahan has coached. Assuming he has no desire to run the show in Kansas City, it’s possible that the foundation has been laid for tremendous success. After all, Shanahan the coach was always having to overachieve due to the screw-ups of Shanahan the G.M.