Carl Peterson Steps Down as Kansas City Chiefs General Manager

Fresh off an epic fourth quarter collapse against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs are plodding along at a steady 2-12 pace, staring another top-five draft pick right in the face. The man making that draft pick, normally, would be general manager Carl Peterson, who has been running the ship out in Kansas City since the 1989 season.

After this season, that will no longer be the case.

Peterson announced today that he is stepping down from his position, effective once this season ends. Here's a statement from Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, courtesy of Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star:

"On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization, I want to thank Carl for his two decades of service to the Chiefs," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. "Both Carl and I agreed that immediately initiating the search for the next Chiefs general manager would be the best thing for the future of the organization, and he will be resigning following the 2008 season.''

During Peterson's 19 years in Kansas City, the Chiefs have posted 13 winning seasons, four AFC West titles, and advanced to the AFC Championship game during the 1993 season -- led by Joe Montana! -- before losing to the Buffalo Bills.

Lately, however, things have been a struggle for the Chiefs as they currently find themselves at the bottom of the AFC West. While it's only been a two-year run, Kansas City has very quietly put up a Detroit-like run of incompetance on the field, posting a 6-24 record since the start of the 2007 season. And even worse, after a 4-3 start a year ago, the Chiefs have won just two of their past 23 games.

In this current sports climate, a 19-year run in any position is an incredible accomplishment, but a change at the top seems to be long overdue for the Chiefs. They haven't won a playoff game since that '93 run, going 0-5 since, while the current Herm Edwards experience has been quite a mess.

Latest NFL Photos

Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (17) kneels after being hit in their 20-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Cincinnati. Unable to beat one of the NFL's lowliest teams, the Redskins found themselves with a break-even record and broken playoff hopes Sunday. (AP Photo)

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn talks with quarterback Jason Campbell (17) during their 20-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Cincinnati. Around Halloween, Zorn seemed a shoo-in for coach of the year. Now no one would dare bet the house that he'll still be employed when New Year's arrives. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

Getty Images

Musician Ted Nugent plays the national anthem before the start of a game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants NFL football action in Irving, Texas December 14, 2008. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo lays on the ground after being sacked as New York Giants defensive tackle Jeremy Clark walks away in the first half of their NFL football game in Irving, Texas December 14, 2008. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Photographers surround New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) after the Cowboys beat the Giants 20-8 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts after the Cowboys scored against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Irving, Texas. Dallas won, 20-8. (AP Photo)

Reuters

New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka sits on top of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo after sacking him for a safety in the second half of their NFL football game in Irving, Texas December 14, 2008. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES)

Reuters