Chiefs hire ex-Dolphins OC Daboll to operate their offense

The Kansas City Chiefs have hired Brian Daboll as their offensive coordinator, a league source told NFL Network's Michael Lombardi on Friday night.

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NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Friday afternoon that the Chiefs were talking to Daboll, who has a relationship with Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli from their time in New England, where the coach was on the staff from 2000 to 2006.

Daboll later spent two seasons as the New York Jets' quarterbacks coach before taking over as offensive coordinator in Cleveland from 2009 to 2010. The Browns were last in the NFL in total offense during his first season and 29th in Year 2, after which he departed for Miami.

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

La Canfora reported that Jim Zorn and former Oakland Raiders coordinator Al Saunders also were candidates for the job.

La Canfora cited a league source in reporting Saturday that Zorn will remain the Chiefs' quarterbacks coach. However, Zorn could end up being approached about the offensive coordinator vacancy in Pittsburgh, depending on how Steelers coach Mike Tomlin aligns his staff. Zorn would only leave for that job, not another quarterbacks coach position.

The Dolphins were 22nd in total offense 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 offense in Kansas City. 

All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles is expected to participate in offseason 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 preseason game. 

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

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The Chiefs still managed to play themselves into a position to defend their AFC West title despite struggling on offense. 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 offense. 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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.