Bill Kenney opened the team's initial two games at quarterback, but was replaced by Steve DeBerg for the second half against Seattle.
[1] DeBerg guided the team to a 20–13 win against Denver in his initial start as a member of the Chiefs.
President Jack Steadman resigned on December 8, while general manager Jim Schaaf was relieved of his duties the same day.
On the field, the Chiefs finished the year at 4–11–1 as questions swirled regarding head coach Frank Gansz's future and who would fill the club's leadership void.
One day after the season's conclusion, former Philadelphia Eagles and United States Football League executive Carl Peterson was named the club's president/general manager and chief operating officer on December 19.
The Chiefs moved up one spot in the first round of the draft to select defensive end Neil Smith with the second overall pick.