Relocation to Kansas City (1963)
Season-by-season records of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1960 to 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs have completed 65 seasons in professional American football and 55 with the National Football League (NFL). This article documents the season-by-season records of the Chiefs franchise from 1960 to the conclusion of their most recent season in 2025, including postseason records, and league awards for individual players or head coaches.
- Founder/Owner
- Lamar Hunt
- League Affiliation
- American Football League (AFL)
- Previous Franchise Name
- Dallas Texans
- Home Stadium Upon Move
- Municipal Stadium
- Key Figure
- Hank Stram (Head Coach)
Lore & Background
The team began play as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 as the Dallas Texans. In 1963, the team relocated to Kansas City, Missouri and was renamed the Kansas City Chiefs.
In Their Own Story
Autumn air bit at Municipal Stadium as the first practice in Kansas City commenced under gray skies. The blue and white of Dallas faded into memory, replaced by the striking red and gold that would soon become iconic. Owner Lamar Hunt watched from the sidelines as Len Dawson launched a spiral against the wind, the ball cutting through the chill. There was no fanfare yet—just the quiet hum of early-arriving supporters in the stands. Their cheers held a different weight than those in Texas; they weren't asking for survival anymore. They were witnessing the birth of something permanent, a promise that this team would not just exist in Missouri, but would eventually own it.
Reader's Guide
The Chiefs have played in 983 total games in a total of 64 seasons, with a winning percentage of .553. Their 15–2 season in 2024 remains their best regular season record, while their 2–14 records in 2008 and 2012 remain their worst. The Texans/Chiefs were the winningest team in AFL history (87–48 from 1960 to 1969), winning three league championships and representing the AFL in Super Bowls I and IV. Since joining the NFL in 1970, they have won 14 division titles (eight straight from 2016 to 2023) and eight wild card playoff berths. The Chiefs did not win a postseason game between the 1993 and 2015 playoffs, and their Super Bowl IV victory was the franchise's lone Super Bowl title until Super Bowl LIV. They suffered two main periods of failure: 1972–1985 (no postseason, only one winning season from 1974 to 1985) and 2007–2012 (two two-win and two four-win seasons). Under Andy Reid, the Chiefs have ten consecutive playoff seasons, nine consecutive division titles, and five Super Bowl appearances (three wins: LIV, LVII, LVIII; two losses: LV, LIX). Their 2023 victory marked the first repeat championship since the 2004 New England Patriots.
Did You Know?
- The team was renamed 'Chiefs' after relocating to Kansas City in 1963.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the decision to move the franchise from Dallas to Kansas City?
Lamar Hunt, the team's owner and founder, orchestrated the relocation in January 1963 shortly after winning the AFL Championship. He sought a more stable environment for his charter member club by moving it to Missouri.
What was the name of the team before it became the Kansas City Chiefs?
Prior to the move in 1963, the franchise was known as the Dallas Texans and had spent four years competing in the American Football League. The relocation marked the official end of their tenure in Texas.
Where did the newly relocated team play its home games immediately after arriving?
Upon moving to Kansas City, the team established Municipal Stadium as its new home field for the 1963 season. This venue served as the launchpad for the franchise's transformation into a local institution.
Who was the head coach during this pivotal transition year?
Hank Stram led the team through the move and continued to guide the squad as they adapted to their new market in the Heartland. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining competitive standards during the upheaval.
Why is the 1963 relocation considered a turning point for the franchise's history?
This strategic pivot transformed a struggling charter member into an enduring dynasty, eventually leading to the Super Bowl IV victory that cemented their legacy. It allowed the team to build a deep connection with a passionate fanbase in Kansas City.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Kansas City Chiefs universe
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