Chiefs in discussions with ex-Dolphins offensive co-ordinator Daboll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Chiefs are in discussions with Brian Daboll to become their new offensive co-ordinator.

Team spokesman Ted Crews told The Associated Press on Saturday that Daboll has not been hired, but the two sides remain in discussions. The former Dolphins offensive co-ordinator could be introduced as soon as Monday, when Chiefs executives return from the Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

Daboll would take over for Bill Muir, who announced his retirement Wednesday.

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel had already interviewed candidates for offensive co-ordinator before Muir's retirement. Others known to have interviewed were quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn and former Raiders offensive co-ordinator Al Saunders.

Daboll has connections to Crennel and Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli after spending time in New England, where Daboll coached wide receivers and Crennel was defensive co-ordinator.

Daboll later spent two seasons as the New York Jets' quarterbacks coach before taking over as offensive co-ordinator in Cleveland. The Browns were last in the NFL in total offence during his first season and 29th in Year 2, after which he departed for Miami.

The Dolphins were 22nd in total offence this season, though there was marked improvement over the second half of the season. Miami also piled up 31 points in a victory over the Chiefs.

Daboll would be taking over a potentially potent offence in Kansas City.

All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles is expected to participate in off-season workouts after missing all but the first two weeks of the season with a knee injury. Tight end Tony Moeaki will also be back after sustaining a similar knee injury during a pre-season game.

Quarterback Matt Cassel will also be back after hurting his hand during Week 10.

The Chiefs still managed to play themselves into a position to defend their AFC West title despite struggling on offence. But their playoff hopes were dashed when they managed only 13 points in an overtime loss to Oakland in the penultimate game of the season.

There are still questions surrounding the offence. Top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a free agent, though the Chiefs are considering whether to use the franchise tag on him.

Pioli also has promised that there will be competition for Cassel at quarterback. Kyle Orton became a free agent after finishing out the season for Kansas City, which means fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi is the only other quarterback currently under contract.