Teicher: Edwards appears off-limits, Saunders to be interviewed

FringeNC · 01-02-2006, 10:40 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13531716.htm

Search to start close to home
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs will begin their search for a new head coach by interviewing offensive coordinator Al Saunders sometime this week.

But it won’t end there. By the time the Chiefs hire a replacement for the newly retired Dick Vermeil, president/general manager Carl Peterson probably will have talked with several candidates with far-reaching backgrounds: college head coaches, NFL assistants and former NFL head coaches.

Peterson indicated Sunday after the Vermeil era ended with a 37-3 win over Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium that he has several names on his search list, though he would reveal none other than Saunders. But NFL defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of Washington, a native of Excelsior Springs, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops could be on that list.

One of Peterson’s favorite candidates, Jets coach Herman Edwards, appears to be off limits. Edwards has two years remaining on his contract, and Peterson said NFL tampering rules forbid him from contacting the Jets regarding Edwards.

“If the Jets call me, obviously I’d talk to them,” Peterson said.

After the Jets ended their season Sunday, Edwards tried to end the speculation he would jump to the Chiefs.

“As far as I’m concerned,” he told reporters in New York, “I’ll be back.”

Peterson also indicated he would comply with the NFL rules requiring teams with coaching vacancies to interview at least one minority candidate.

Asked whether he would interview other internal candidates in addition to Saunders, Peterson said, “At this point, no.”

That would rule out former Chiefs head coach Gunther Cunningham, now their defensive coordinator.

Peterson said he had no preference for a coach with an offensive or defensive background. He indicated he wanted a seasoned coach but didn’t care if that experience came in the NFL or college.

“Besides Al Saunders, there are some talented guys, and some of them right now are coaching in the playoffs,” Peterson said. “I owe it to Lamar (Hunt) and Clark (Hunt) to talk to those people also.”

Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs owner, echoed those sentiments.

“I think it’s important for us to have somebody who has experience,” Hunt said. “I don’t know personally that it is important to have pro experience. I’m open-minded in that respect. Clearly, the job Nick Saban has done this year (with Miami) proves you can come out of college and do pretty darn good.”

The Chiefs are replacing a 69-year-old coach in Vermeil. Even when he was hired five years ago, the Chiefs viewed Vermeil as a short-term coach. He wound up staying five seasons, two longer than they expected.

Their next coach probably will be someone much younger who could be a long-term solution.

“One thing I’d like to see is someone who has ample time to really make a name for himself and build a foundation here.” Hunt said. “We’re not looking for a two-year fix or one-year fix.”

01-02-2006, 10:40 AM	Topic Starter
FringeNC MVP Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: NC Casino cash: $1836014	Teicher: Edwards appears off-limits, Saunders to be interviewed http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13531716.htm Search to start close to home By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs will begin their search for a new head coach by interviewing offensive coordinator Al Saunders sometime this week. But it won’t end there. By the time the Chiefs hire a replacement for the newly retired Dick Vermeil, president/general manager Carl Peterson probably will have talked with several candidates with far-reaching backgrounds: college head coaches, NFL assistants and former NFL head coaches. Peterson indicated Sunday after the Vermeil era ended with a 37-3 win over Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium that he has several names on his search list, though he would reveal none other than Saunders. But NFL defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of Washington, a native of Excelsior Springs, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops could be on that list. One of Peterson’s favorite candidates, Jets coach Herman Edwards, appears to be off limits. Edwards has two years remaining on his contract, and Peterson said NFL tampering rules forbid him from contacting the Jets regarding Edwards. “If the Jets call me, obviously I’d talk to them,” Peterson said. After the Jets ended their season Sunday, Edwards tried to end the speculation he would jump to the Chiefs. “As far as I’m concerned,” he told reporters in New York, “I’ll be back.” Peterson also indicated he would comply with the NFL rules requiring teams with coaching vacancies to interview at least one minority candidate. Asked whether he would interview other internal candidates in addition to Saunders, Peterson said, “At this point, no.” That would rule out former Chiefs head coach Gunther Cunningham, now their defensive coordinator. Peterson said he had no preference for a coach with an offensive or defensive background. He indicated he wanted a seasoned coach but didn’t care if that experience came in the NFL or college. “Besides Al Saunders, there are some talented guys, and some of them right now are coaching in the playoffs,” Peterson said. “I owe it to Lamar (Hunt) and Clark (Hunt) to talk to those people also.” Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs owner, echoed those sentiments. “I think it’s important for us to have somebody who has experience,” Hunt said. “I don’t know personally that it is important to have pro experience. I’m open-minded in that respect. Clearly, the job Nick Saban has done this year (with Miami) proves you can come out of college and do pretty darn good.” The Chiefs are replacing a 69-year-old coach in Vermeil. Even when he was hired five years ago, the Chiefs viewed Vermeil as a short-term coach. He wound up staying five seasons, two longer than they expected. Their next coach probably will be someone much younger who could be a long-term solution. “One thing I’d like to see is someone who has ample time to really make a name for himself and build a foundation here.” Hunt said. “We’re not looking for a two-year fix or one-year fix.”
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