Gansz Gets Boot as Kansas City Chiefs’ Coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Frank Gansz, who won only eight games in his two seasons as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, was fired today by Carl Peterson, the team’s new general manager.

“I have made the decision today to relieve Frank Gansz of the head coaching position,” said Peterson, who was hired last month as both general manager and chief operating officer of the long-suffering National Football League franchise.

“This decision was one that I have come to after what I believe was an in-depth, thorough and hopefully fair evaluation.”

No Successor Named

There was no immediate indication of a successor.

Gansz, 50, was not available for comment.

His future with the Chiefs had seemed in jeopardy when Peterson replaced General Manager Jim Schaaf on Dec. 8.

Schaaf had fired John Mackovic and elevated Gansz from special teams coach in January, 1987, right after Mackovic had led the team to its first playoff berth since 1971 with a 10-6 record.

Under Gansz, the Chiefs were 8-22-1. They were 4-11 in the strike-shortened 1987 season, and this season they were 4-11-1 and the only team in the league without a road victory.