NFL NOTES

updated 5:04 p.m. ET Jan. 20, 2004

Gunther Cunningham returned to the Kansas City Chiefs as their defensive coordinator Tuesday, three years after he was fired as the team’s head coach.

He replaces Greg Robinson, who resigned last week after Kansas City lost to Indianapolis 38-31 in the AFC playoffs.

“It is the most unusual turn of events that I’ve been part of in my professional career,” Cunningham said. “And I’m very happy about it.”

Sitting next to him was Chiefs president Carl Peterson, who fired Cunningham following the 2000 season so he could hire Dick Vermeil, his old friend.

“I’m very, very pleased to have Gunther back with us,” Peterson said. “We think he’s the right guy at the right time. You can come home. We’re welcoming him back.”

Cunningham was the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator from 1995-98, then went 16-16 as their head coach from 1999-00. In 1995 and 1997, the Chiefs allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

Since being fired, Cunningham has been the Tennessee Titans’ linebackers coach.

Steelers promote Whisenhunt to offensive coordinator
Steelers tight ends coach Ken Whisenhunt was promoted Tuesday to offensive coordinator. He replaces Mike Mularkey, who last week became head coach of Buffalo.

Russ Grimm will remain the team’s offensive line coach but will now also have the title of assistant head coach.

Whisenhunt joined the Steelers’ staff in January 2001.

“His bright offensive mind and his familiarity with the offense and our personnel made him a natural for the position,” coach Bill Cowher said.

Grimm spent 19 years as an assistant and player with the Washington Redskins, where he was a member of the “Hogs” offensive line from 1981-91.

Despite having never been a head coach or coordinator, he was one of two finalists for the Bears’ job that went to Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith.

“Russ has had a tremendous impact on our team since his arrival three years ago,” Cowher said. “This promotion recognizes his importance to our team.”

Marmie new Rams defensive coordinator
The St. Louis Rams hired Larry Marmie to replace Lovie Smith as defensive coordinator Tuesday.

Marmie spent the last eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, including the last 3½ seasons as defensive coordinator.

Coach Mike Martz and Marmie worked together at Arizona State in the mid-1980s, Martz as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach and Marmie as defensive coordinator. When Marmie was promoted to head coach in 1988, he named Martz his offensive coordinator, and they worked together for the next four seasons.

Martz wanted to interview Marmie three years ago for the Rams’ defensive coordinator job, but Arizona denied him permission.

This time around, Marmie was a coaching free agent after he was fired along with the rest of Dave McGinnis’ staff at the end of the season.

Smith became head coach of the Chicago Bears last week.

MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES

PFT: Belichick says Saints are best team in football

PFT: Belichick says Saints are best team in football Rosenthal: Steelers’ playoff future slipping away PFT: Shanahan interested in Cowboys, Redskins, Texans? Rob Ryan understands why Rex is so emotional NFL union opposes reporting on teammates NFL fines Dockett $7,500 for Hasselbeck throat hit Cribbs expects to play Sunday against Lions Stefanie Spielman, wife of NFL star, dies at 42 NFL mock draft: Projecting 2010’s first round Players hide, fear concussions   Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: