Gailey in the lead for Chiefs OC job

In the next 48 hours the Chiefs could introduce their new offensive coordinator. After finishing all the interviews, it appears head coach Herm Edwards is leaning towards the man with the most experience - Chan Gailey.

The final interview was conducted Tuesday with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, who interviewed via telephone and not in person as previously indicated.

According to our source, Gailey has moved to front-runner status and could be named KC’s new offensive coordinator by Friday. Gailey cancelled an interview Tuesday afternoon with the St. Louis Rams, who instead interviewed Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese.

Gailey has the most experience of the remaining four candidates - Shula, UTEP offensive coordinator Eric Price and former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel.

The Chiefs met with Gailey for a second time on Tuesday and per our source expect the former Georgia Tech head coach to become the new offensive coordinator.

Shula, who had been tabbed as the top candidate, was expected to fly into Kansas City on Tuesday or Wednesday. Instead, it does not appear as if he’ll make a visit to Arrowhead Stadium anytime soon.

The 56-year old Gailey spent the last six seasons at Georgia Tech. He finished with a record of 44-32 but was fired in late November after failing to beat state rival Georgia during his tenure.

Last year at this time he was a candidate for two NFL head coaching jobs - Pittsburgh and Miami.

Gailey was previously a successful offensive coordinator with the Steelers from 1996-97 and with the Dolphins from 2000-2001. He also served as Dallas Cowboys head coach from 1998-1999 and with the WFL’s Birmingham Fire from 1991-1992.

Stay tuned to Warpaint Illustrated.com for more offseason news on the Kansas City Chiefs.

AFTERNOON UPDATE: The Chiefs have hired Gailey as their new offensive coordinator.

"The best compliment I can pay Chan Gailey is that he’s tough," said head coach Herm Edwards. “He’s been through the battles as both a head coach and an offensive coordinator. He’s called the plays and he has performed under pressure."

"But just as importantly, Chan is an excellent teacher - wherever he’s coached he has designed dynamic offenses to take advantage of his players' skills. He understands how to orchestrate a balanced offensive plan. He’s going to be a good fit for our philosophy and our football team. The Chiefs will be better because of Chan Gailey."