Critics of the Kansas City Chiefs's decision to hire Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator will point out he's just another branch from the coaching tree of the New England Patriots to move West.
Technically, that is true, as Daboll joins head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli -- both former Patriots employees -- in Kansas City. But Crennel isn't apologizing for landing his top choice, either, telling reporters on a conference call Tuesday that having a complete understanding of Daboll is more important than where he's coached.
"I know a lot of people say he's another guy from the New England tree, but it's been a while since he's been in New England," Crennel said, per The Kansas City Star. "Sometimes knowing people and knowing what they're about is important. I know that was important to me."
What could be most important to Crennel is the development of quarterback Matt Cassel, which might have been a key factor in his most recent hire.
Pioli has already vowed to bring in competition for Cassel, who is three seasons into a six-year, $63 million contract he signed in 2008. A career backup before joining the Chiefs, Cassel mostly struggled in 2011 before suffering a season-ending hand injury.
Daboll is already in his corner.
"A have a lot of confidence in Matt Cassel," Daboll said, according to the team's official blog. "I've watched him on tape and I know the player."
Daboll will be the fifth play-caller to work with Cassel since 2009, joining Chan Gailey, Todd Haley, Charlie Weis and Bill Muir. Daboll has helped develop Colt McCoy and Matt Moore in stops in New York, Cleveland and Miami in five years since leaving New England and now takes on Cassel.
Daboll promised an attacking, up-temp offense that features multiple personnel groups. Crennel suggested it would be most similar to what was run in Miami last season, where Daboll made the most out of Moore and Reggie Bush.
"I'm excited," Cassel recently told The Star. "I think it will be a good fit for us. He's very detailed. He was very meticulous about his work and he expected a lot out of his players. I was always impressed with him as a coach."
