The 2000 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 31st season in the National Football League, the 41st overall and the the second and final season led by head coach Gunther Cunningham. Cunningham was fired following a 7–9 record and third-place finish in the AFC West and was replaced by Dick Vermeil in 2001. Quarterback Elvis Grbac was released at the end of the season. The team played the season without 9 time Pro Bowl Linebacker and team captain Derrick Thomas because of his death on February 8 of the same year.