Newly-hired Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he will keep the 3-4 defensive system already installed in Kansas City.
"There's been time invested in the 3-4 here," Reid said, via The Kansas City Star. "The 3-4 gives you some flexibility. I've run both. I've been involved in both so I understand how they were. The 4-3 is good if you have the right coaches in place and the team is invested in it. But this team here is invested in the 3-4, so let's continue to build it and get better at it."
Smart decision if Reid wants to win sooner than later. He already has to find a quarterback and retool an offense ranked last in scoring. Outside linebacker Tamba Hali, safety Eric Berry and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson were all Pro Bowl selections on defense this season. Outside linebacker Justin Houston and cornerback Brandon Flowers are first alternates. Reid and general manager John Dorsey would have to seek out different personnel to switch to 4-3.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton was hired in part because of his experience with the 3-4.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.