Former Chiefs head coach Cunningham dies at 72

Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Gunther Cunningham died Saturday after a brief illness. He was 72. Cunningham compiled a 16-16 record in two seasons at the helm of the Chiefs from 1999-2000.

He also served as defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Raiders (1992-93), Chiefs (1995-98, 2004-08) and Detroit Lions (2009-13). Cunningham's coaching career spanned six decades, starting as a defensive line coach at his alma mater Oregon in 1969 and ending with his role as a senior coaching assistant for the Lions from 2014-16.

"Gunther Cunningham will forever be remembered as one of the great men of our game," the Lions wrote in a statement. "He left a lasting impact on every person who was fortunate enough to work alongside him during his more than 47 years as a coach -- including 34 years in the National Football League." Cunningham retired from coaching after the 2016 season and took a position with the analytics website Pro Football Focus as its director of football oversight.

He is survived by his wife, Rene, and their two children. --Field Level Media