| 1988 Kansas City Chiefs season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Lamar Hunt |
| General manager | Jim Schaaf (fired Dec. 8) Carl Peterson (after Dec. 19) |
| Head coach | Frank Gansz |
| Home field | Arrowhead Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–11–1 |
| Division place | 5th AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | 3 |
| AP All-Pros | 1
|
The 1988 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 19th season in the National Football League and the 29th overall.
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. However, six losses, and a tie followed as Kenney and DeBerg jostled for the starting job.
As the season drew to a close, it became apparent the winds of change were blowing across the organization. President Jack Steadman resigned on December 8, while general manager Jim Schaaf was relieved of his duties the same day.[1] Steadman was later named chairman of the board. 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.