AFL Championship (1962)
The Kansas City Chiefs: a franchise with 14 head coaches, three Hall of Famers, and a legacy of AFL and NFL success.
The Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL) have had 14 head coaches in their franchise history. The franchise was founded in 1960 by Lamar Hunt and were known as the Dallas Texans when the team was located in Dallas, Texas. The team relocated to Kansas City, Missouri and were renamed the Chiefs in 1963. The franchise was a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) before entering into the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger.
- Game Duration
- 77 Minutes, 54 Seconds
Lore & Background
Hank Stram, the team's first head coach, led the Chiefs to three AFL championship victories and two appearances in the Super Bowl. Stram was the team's longest-tenured head coach, holding the position from 1960 to 1974. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 1989 and led Kansas City to seven playoff appearances in his ten seasons as head coach. Of the fourteen Chiefs coaches, Hank Stram, Marv Levy, and Dick Vermeil have been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Seven head coaches have led the Chiefs to the playoffs, of those seven, only three won a game in the playoffs. Romeo Crennel, who coached the team for three games in 2011 and the entire 2012 season, is the team's shortest tenured head coach. He was fired following what was statistically the worst season in franchise history in 2012. Andy Reid has been the head coach since 2013. Following the Chiefs' Super Bowl championship in the 2019 season, Reid became the franchise leader in playoff wins. Dave Toub also served as interim head coach for one game in 2023.
In Their Own Story
Under the harsh glare of Jeppesen Stadium floodlights, the Texas night turned into an arctic wasteland. The clock had long since surrendered its meaning, ticking past two hours as breath plumed like smoke from helmets frozen in mid-play. On the sideline, Stram stood motionless, arms wrapped tight against the bite of December, his eyes locked on a field where men played with trembling legs and wills forged in ice. The crowd's roar faded into a dull hum, drowned out by the thunderous heartbeat of players who had run since autumn leaves were green. In that suspended silence before the decisive field goal, the weight of history pressed down heavier than the frigid air, holding its breath for the kick that would decide everything.
Reader's Guide
The franchise officially changed its name to the Kansas City Chiefs on May 23, 1963, more than four months after the championship game.
Did You Know?
- The franchise was originally known as the Dallas Texans when founded in 1960.
- Hank Stram was the team's first head coach and longest-tenured, from 1960 to 1974.
- Three Chiefs head coaches have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Hank Stram, Marv Levy, and Dick Vermeil.
- Romeo Crennel is the shortest-tenured head coach, coaching three games in 2011 and the entire 2012 season.
- Dave Toub served as interim head coach for one game in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who claimed the 1962 AFL Championship title?
The Dallas Texans defeated the Houston Oilers to win the league before relocating to Missouri. This victory stands as the franchise's first major trophy prior to their arrival in Kansas City.
Where did this championship game take place?
The match was held at Jeppesen Stadium in Houston under harsh winter conditions. It served as a survival test that hardened the team's resolve before they ever moved west.
How much time did the game last?
The contest ran for 77 minutes and 54 seconds, extending well into double overtime. This freezing duration challenged physical limits for players at that level.
Why is this record significant to the Chiefs legacy?
It proved the organization's resilience and ability to win under extreme pressure before moving cities. This title was a foundational moment that established their reputation as contenders in professional football.
What happened during the final moments of play?
The Texans secured the win through an exhausting extra period battle against Houston. This result stabilized the franchise and laid the groundwork for future success.
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