The History of Kansas City Chiefs

by Ronald D. Spieker on April 18, 2023

The History of Kansas City Chiefs

The Early Years (1960-1970)

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL). The franchise was established in 1960 by the Dallas Texans, but it relocated to Kansas City in 1963 and became known as the Chiefs. Over the years, the Chiefs have established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the NFL, with multiple Super Bowl appearances and victories. 


The birth of the franchise:


The Dallas Texans were founded in 1960 by Lamar Hunt, who wanted to establish a professional football team in Texas. The team was a member of the American Football League (AFL), established as a rival league to the more selected NFL. 

The early struggles:


The Texans struggled in their first season, finishing with an 8-6. However, the team showed promise, with several talented players, such as quarterback Len Dawson and running back Abner Haynes. 

The move to Kansas City:


In 1963, the Texans were sold to a group of investors in Kansas City, Missouri, and the team was relocated to the city. The team was renamed the Kansas City Chiefs, and the move proved to be a turning point in the franchise's history. 

The emergence of Len Dawson:


Len Dawson became the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 1962 and led the team to its first winning season in 1963. Dawson would become one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and victories. 

The first Super Bowl appearance:


In 1966, the Chiefs won the AFL Championship and advanced to the first-ever Super Bowl, facing the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Despite a strong showing, the Chiefs ultimately lost to the Packers, 35-10.



Sources:

"The History of the Kansas City Chiefs." Sporting News. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kansas-city-chiefs-history-super-bowl-iv-1969-lamar-hunt/1qx17a20tyq3q1jg79v9aflf5j

The Hank Stram Era (1970-1974)

The arrival of Hank Stram:


Hank Stram was hired as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1960, and he quickly established himself as one of the most innovative coaches in the AFL. Stram used the 3-4 defense and his creative offensive schemes. 

The introduction of the 3-4 defense:


Under Stram's leadership, the Chiefs became one of the first teams to use the 3-4 defense, which relied on three down linemen and four linebackers. This innovative defensive scheme helped the Chiefs become one of the top defensive teams in the AFL.

The Super Bowl IV victory:


In 1969, the Chiefs won their second AFL Championship and advanced to Super Bowl IV, facing the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings. However, the Chiefs pulled off a stunning upset, winning the game 23-7 and securing the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl victory. 

The end of the Stram era:


Despite the success of the early 1970s, Stram's tenure as head coach of the Chiefs ended in 1974. Stram was fired after a disappointing season but remains one of the most successful and beloved coaches in franchise history.



Sources:

The Post-Stram Years (1975-1988)

The coaching carousel:


Following the departure of Hank Stram, the Chiefs struggled to find consistent success under a series of different head coaches. During this period, the team underwent several coaching changes, including the hires of Paul Wiggin, Marv Levy, and Frank Gansz. 

The Emergence of Joe Montana:


In 1993, the Chiefs made one of the most significant acquisitions in franchise history by trading for legendary quarterback Joe Montana. Montana, who had won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the Chiefs. 

The 1985 Super Bowl team:


Despite the struggles of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Chiefs fielded a talented team in 1985 that won the AFC West division title and advanced to the playoffs. The team was one of the most exciting in franchise history, led by quarterback Bill Kenney and running back Christian Okoye. 

The decline of the 1980s:


Despite the success of the 1985 team, the Chiefs struggled to maintain their momentum throughout the rest of the 1980s. The team suffered several losing seasons and failed to make the playoffs in most years.



Sources:

"1985 Kansas City Chiefs Statistics & Players." Pro-Football-Reference.com. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/1985.htm

The Marty Schottenheimer Era (1989-1998)

The arrival of Marty Schottenheimer:


In 1989, the Kansas City Chiefs hired Marty Schottenheimer as their head coach. Schottenheimer brought a strict, disciplined approach to the team and quickly began rebuilding the franchise. 

The Rise of Derrick Thomas:


During the Schottenheimer era, linebacker Derrick Thomas emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. Thomas was a nine-time Pro Bowler and recorded 126.5 sacks over his career, which was spent entirely with the Chiefs. 

The AFC Championship game appearances:


Under Schottenheimer's leadership, the Chiefs became a perennial contender in the AFC. The team made the playoffs in seven out of ten seasons and advanced to the AFC Championship game in 1993 and 1994. 

The end of the Schottenheimer era:


Despite the team's success under Schottenheimer, the coach was fired in 1998 after a disappointing season. Schottenheimer remains one of the most successful coaches in franchise history, and his emphasis on defense and discipline helped lay the foundation for future success.



Sources:

"Marty Schottenheimer." Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/marty-schottenheimer/

The Vermeil and Edwards Years (1999-2008)

The hiring of Dick Vermeil:


In 2001, the Kansas City Chiefs hired Dick Vermeil as their head coach. Vermeil had previously led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999, and he brought a high-powered offensive scheme to the Chiefs. 

The "Greatest Show on Turf" offense:


Under Vermeil's leadership, the Chiefs fielded one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Quarterback Trent Green, running back Priest Holmes, and wide receiver Tony Gonzalez led the way for the team, which became known as the "Greatest Show on Turf."

The emergence of Priest Holmes:


Running back Priest, Holmes was one of the key players in the Vermeil era. Holmes set multiple NFL records during his time with the Chiefs, including the most touchdowns in a single season and the most consecutive games with a touchdown. 

The Herm Edwards era:


After Vermeil retired in 2005, the Chiefs hired Herm Edwards as their head coach. Edwards had previously coached the New York Jets and was known for his strict, no-nonsense approach.



Sources:

"Herm Edwards." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/EdwaHe0.htm

The Andy Reid Era (2013-2021)

The hiring of Andy Reid:


In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs hired Andy Reid as their head coach. Reid had previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles and was known for his innovative offensive schemes. 

The arrival of Patrick Mahomes:


In 2017, the Chiefs traded up in the NFL draft to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. Mahomes quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL, and he would go on to win the league MVP award in 2018. 

The 2019 Super Bowl victory:


In 2019, the Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in over 50 years. Led by Mahomes and a high-powered offense, the team overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the San Francisco 49ers and win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. 

The 2020 pandemic season:


The 2020 NFL season was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chiefs were no exception. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the team still managed to make it to the Super Bowl, where they fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.



Sources:

"Super Bowl LIV." Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2020/02/news-super-bowl-liv/

The Future of the Chiefs (2022 and Beyond)

The current state of the team:


As of 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs are still one of the top teams in the NFL. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, the team has made the playoffs in the past five seasons and is expected to be a Super Bowl contender for years. 

The outlook for the future:


Despite their recent success, the Chiefs face some challenges in the coming years. The team has several key players who will become free agents shortly, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and defensive end Chris Jones. The team must make tough decisions about who to re-sign and how to manage their salary cap. 

The search for another Super Bowl championship:


While the Chiefs have already won two Super Bowls in franchise history, the team, and its fans are hungry for more. The team will continue to work towards building a roster that can compete for championships, and they will look to continue their recent success in the years to come.



Sources:

"Chris Jones." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneCh04.htm

FAQs

What is the story behind the Kansas City Chiefs?

The story of the Kansas City Chiefs begins in 1960 when Lamar Hunt, a wealthy businessman from Texas, founded the Dallas Texans as a member of the American Football League (AFL). The team struggled in its first season but showed promise with talented players like quarterback Len Dawson and running back Abner Haynes. In 1963, Hunt decided to move the team to Kansas City, Missouri and renamed it the Kansas City Chiefs. The move proved a turning point for the franchise, and the group began establishing itself as a contender in the AFL. In the late 1960s, the Chiefs enjoyed their most tremendous success under head coach Hank Stram. Stram led the team to two AFL Championships and an appearance in Super Bowl I, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers. However, the team would get revenge a few years later when they won Super Bowl IV, defeating the Minnesota Vikings. After Stram's departure, the Chiefs struggled to maintain their success in the 1970s and 1980s, with several coaching changes and inconsistent performances on the field. However, the team rebounded in the 1990s under head coach Marty Schottenheimer, making the playoffs several times and becoming a perennial contender in the AFC. In the 2000s, the Chiefs underwent another change, with head coaches Dick Vermeil and Herm Edwards leading the team to some success but ultimately falling short of a Super Bowl victory. In 2013, the Chiefs hired Andy Reid as their head coach, and the team has experienced a resurgence in recent years. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the way, the team has made the playoffs in the past five seasons and won their second Super Bowl championship in 2019. Today, the Kansas City Chiefs are considered one of the top teams in the NFL and are poised to continue their success for years.

What were the Kansas City Chiefs before?

Before becoming the Kansas City Chiefs, the franchise was known as the Dallas Texans. The Texans were one of the original eight American Football League (AFL) teams, founded in 1960 to rival the more established National Football League (NFL). The team was owned by Lamar Hunt, a wealthy businessman from Texas, who named the team after the state's reputation for toughness and resilience. The Dallas Texans struggled in their first season, finishing with a 1-11 record. However, the team showed promise with talented players like quarterback Len Dawson and running back Abner Haynes. In 1963, Hunt decided to move the team to Kansas City, Missouri and renamed it the Kansas City Chiefs. The move proved a turning point for the franchise, and the group began establishing itself as a contender in the AFL. Under the leadership of head coach Hank Stram, the Chiefs enjoyed their most tremendous success in the late 1960s, winning two AFL Championships and their first Super Bowl title in 1970. Since then, the Chiefs have become one of the most successful and beloved franchises in the NFL, with a rich history and passionate fanbase.

How many Super Bowls have the Chiefs played in?

The Kansas City Chiefs have played in three Super Bowls in franchise history. They first appeared in Super Bowl I in 1967, where the Green Bay Packers defeated them. They returned to the Super Bowl stage in 1970, winning Super Bowl IV by defeating the Minnesota Vikings. Their most recent Super Bowl appearance was in 2020, where they faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. However, they were defeated by the Buccaneers, ending their hopes of winning back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

Ronald D. Spieker

Ronald D. Spieker is a dedicated sports blogger who has been a football fan since birth. With 7 years of experience in sports blogging, Ronald has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate commentator on all things football. He is known for his engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to fans of all levels. Whether it's analyzing the latest game stats, delving into team strategies, or discussing the latest news from around the league, Ronald is always on top of the latest developments in football. His love for the sport shines through in every article he writes, and his readers appreciate his in-depth knowledge and insightful commentary. 

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