If there was an offensive coordinator of the year award, we’d vote for Charlie Weis of the Chiefs. Matt Cassel has played mistake-free football, Jamaal Charles might win the rushing title, and a long-struggling offensive line has turned things around.
Despite all that, there is increasing chatter that Weis may not return to the team in 2011.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen warned on last week’s Countdown not to be surprised if Weis was replaced by Josh McDaniels after the season. That report seemed so out of left field it didn’t really light a media fire.
Now longtime Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley throws gas on the notion, saying that Weis could end up as the offensive coordinator at University of Florida. Here’s Dooley on his radio show, via SportsByBrooks.com
“In terms of Florida’s Offensive Coordinator, if you’re driving in your car, I want you to pull over. When I say this, you’re going to freak out. . . . I think your new offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators is going to be Charlie Weis.
“I’ve heard this from some people in the NFL, that that’s going on. My first reaction was, ‘are you kidding me, why would Charlie Weis leave Kansas City to go to Florida in the same job’? … Wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense.”
Dooley is a well-respected name that is not known for just throwing stuff against the wall. Dooley’s claim also helps explains Mort’s report.
We’ll keep a close eye on this one in the coming days. It’s unclear which side would be looking for a divorce. Or if its mutual.
The only logical explanation of a Weis-Todd Haley break would be something personal. (Weis wanting a lighter work schedule or to return to college? Personality conflict?) Weis’ results in Kansas City have exceeded all expectations.
UPDATE: Mort is now reporting that Weis’ departure for Florida is likely.