Haley announced the hiring of seven new assistants and the retention of six assistants from Herm Edwards' staff, including offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and defensive line coach Tim Krumrie.

But the Chiefs did not identify job responsibilities in making their announcement, and Haley said that was because those assignments were yet to be finalized.

"There are still a few moving parts. That's why we haven't gotten in specifics," Haley told the Kansas City Star.

Having assembled his staff for its first meeting on Feb. 16, Haley said issues such as whether the Chiefs convert from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense would depend on the new staff's evaluation of the talent on hand, or likely to be available, and how it fits either system. That, in turn, could determine who emerges as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Two new hires have been defensive coordinators.

Former Oklahoma head coach Gary Gibbs ran a 3-4 system as defensive coordinator at New Orleans for three seasons. He also coach linebackers for four seasons at Dallas, his first NFL team.

Clancy Pendergast worked on the same staff as Haley as defensive coordinator at Arizona before his dismissal after the 2008 Super Bowl campaign. The Cardinals were a 4-3 team.

"I told these guys I want them to go through each player and then we'll figure out what we have," Haley said. "I want an open mind. I'm a big believer in doing what your players can do best."

Also to be determined are what Gailey's responsibilities would entail. If he is retained as offensive coordinator, would he call plays or leave that to Haley, who called Arizona's offense for two seasons as coordinator there?

Haley said he was inclined to let his coordinator call plays, but left the door open for other options.

Also joining the Chiefs staff were Bill Muir, a 31-year NFL veteran who most recently was offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Tampa Bay, a top target for Haley as he assembled his first staff. Steve Hoffman likely will be special teams coach after serving as a kicking coach for three different teams, most recently Miami. Pat Perles has coached mainly in the college ranks where his background is in the running game. Dedric Ward is a former Cardinals wide receiver who worked with Haley as a quality control coach. Joel Collier, who did not coach last year, as 17 years in the league coaching both running backs and defensive backs.

Retained along with Gailey and Krumrie from the Edwards staff were Bob Bicknell, who could move from offensive line to tight ends; Joe D'Alessandris, an offensive line assistant last year; and strength/conditioning coaches Cedric Smith and Brent Salazar.