Teicher: Vermeil plans to stick around next year

tk13 · 11-30-2004, 02:15 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...0298715.htm?1c

Vermeil plans to stick around

But with vague words, Chiefs' coach leaves the door open

By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star

Dick Vermeil, whose burnout 20 years ago resulted in his departure from the game, might be tempted these days to again move on. But Vermeil said Monday that his intent was to coach the Chiefs next season and finish the final year on his contract.

“I'm planning on it,” Vermeil said. “I've said that all along.”

There wasn't, however, a lot of conviction behind those words, and when pressed whether anything could change his mind, Vermeil sounded tentative.

“I don't know that,” he said. “But right now, I'm planning to coach football.”

Last year, when Vermeil accepted Carl Peterson's offer of a new, two-year contract, he said he did so because he believed he was having a positive impact on the program.

It follows that this year, with the Chiefs at 3-8 and having perhaps the most disappointing season in club history, Vermeil might find himself part of the problem. Perhaps in being vague, Vermeil left himself an escape hatch in the event that a season gone horribly wrong gets even worse over the final five games.

But Vermeil otherwise carried on Monday very much like someone planning to coach for another season. He engaged the media in a discussion about the process of preparing for 2005.

Vermeil indicated a willingness to accept his share of the blame for this season's failures, but he also said it wouldn't be enough to make him walk away.

“I've gotten so I don't walk off the field and blame myself every time,” Vermeil said. “If anybody does that in their career, it's damaging. You may have done a (heck) of a job and got beat. I used to not be able to handle that. That's why I left coaching the first time.

“I am totally prepared to handle any criticism. I go about my business because I know what my responsibilities are. It does test you. Very few people in their lives are in professions where they get tested like this. And I know more about this football team than I did last year at the same time. I know they can handle adversity. I know they're tough. I know they care. I know they'll come back and go to work. I know they won't be perfect.”

Before getting to next season, Vermeil and the Chiefs have to get through the end of this one. The Chiefs have seen their playoff aspirations take a lethal blow because of a four-game losing streak and will play Sunday at Oakland and four more times for nothing but pride.

They faced a similar situation in 2001, Vermeil's first season with the Chiefs. They were also 3-8 that season but finished with three wins in the final five games.

The circumstances then were completely different. The Chiefs were rebuilding and expected hard times.

“We were growing and trying to implement a system on offense and on defense,” quarterback Trent Green said. “Everybody was trying to learn what coach Vermeil was all about.

“This year is more disappointing because of the expectations, the amount of players we had back, the talent we have. I don't know if anybody really thought we could duplicate 13-3. That's hard to do. But everybody felt we could have a successful year, defend our division (championship) and be a playoff team.”

With that disappointment comes frustration. One of Vermeil's biggest challenges the rest of this season might be in keeping the locker room united.

Green said that was one of his biggest concerns.

“We have 15 new guys on the team, roughly around that number, from what we had a year ago,” he said. “With that kind of mix of young and old and then the way we are struggling, there definitely can be tension. Guys' tempers are a little shorter than normal just because of the expectations and what everybody viewed or envisioned the season could be.

“That's just something the coaches have to be aware of and the players have to be aware of.”

The Chiefs are third in the NFL in scoring and third from the bottom in points allowed, making plausible a split along offensive and defensive lines. A practice-field fight two weeks ago pitting wide receivers against defensive backs could be construed as a sign that is already happening.

Vermeil said it wasn't an indication of a team divided.

“There are fights on football fields every day,” Vermeil said. “One reason we close practices is so that things that belong in-house remain in-house. Those things are not unusual. I don't ever feel compelled to report to the media that we had fisticuffs. We usually have one every other week.”

big nasty kcnut · 11-30-2004, 05:06 AM

I hope he does and carl peterson leaves. let really give this team hope.

Gaz · 11-30-2004, 06:43 AM

I like Vermeil and am pleased that he is my Head Coach.

I would not be surprised to see him leave after next season. And I would not be surprised to see Peterson chose to leave with him. If that happened, I wonder what that would mean for Saunders’ HC electability.

xoxo~
Gaz
Vermeil fan.

FringeNC · 11-30-2004, 07:30 AM

"A practice-field fight two weeks ago pitting wide receivers against defensive backs could be construed as a sign that is already happening."

A battle of the dipshits...

**morphius** · 11-30-2004, 07:32 AM

I expect everyone to stay next year, maybe Gun will mae some changes to his staff. Then after that, Carl, DV and friends will disappear into the sunset, unless they win the SB

MichaelH · 11-30-2004, 07:36 AM

I wouldn't be upset if Vermiel stayed considering the alternatives. He needs to realize his soft and caring nature is detrimental to this football team. Also, he really needs to realize that a high powered offense doesn't mean squat if the defense can't stop anyone. He needs to learn that a team can win by scoring only 21 points, not 45.

**BigRedChief** · 11-30-2004, 07:37 AM

I didn't like DV comment that they have the defensive players to get it done. It's all coaching.

WTF? They are going to stand pat again?

nmt1 · 11-30-2004, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphius

I expect everyone to stay next year, maybe Gun will mae some changes to his staff. Then after that, Carl, DV and friends will disappear into the sunset, unless they win the SB

DV will be gone after 2005 regardless of whether or not they win the Superbowl. I understand why people would think Carl would leave when Vermiel leaves but I wouldn't count on it. Carl's younger than Vermiel and despite what many think, he's run the team in a fashion that seems to please Lamar Hunt. Hunt's opinion is the only one that matters.

**mlyonsd** · 11-30-2004, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

DV will be gone after 2005 regardless of whether or not they win the Superbowl. I understand why people would think Carl would leave when Vermiel leaves but I wouldn't count on it. Carl's younger than Vermiel and despite what many think, he's run the team in a fashion that seems to please Lamar Hunt. Hunt's opinion is the only one that matters.

If next year turns out like this year the fans will open Lamar's eyes.

nmt1 · 11-30-2004, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

If next year turns out like this year the fans will open Lamar's eyes.

According to many around here it can't get any worse. Why haven't the fans done anything about it yet?

**mlyonsd** · 11-30-2004, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

According to many around here it can't get any worse. Why haven't the fans done anything about it yet?

IMO the tickets were already bought when our record was 0-0 and our expectations were very high.

nmt1 · 11-30-2004, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

IMO the tickets were already bought when our record was 0-0 and our expectations were very high.

Yeah, I suppose so.

**BigRedChief** · 11-30-2004, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

DV will be gone after 2005 regardless of whether or not they win the Superbowl. I understand why people would think Carl would leave when Vermiel leaves but I wouldn't count on it. Carl's younger than Vermiel and despite what many think, he's run the team in a fashion that seems to please Lamar Hunt. Hunt's opinion is the only one that matters.

I think people are hoping that King Carl leaves. Not really thinking its gonna happen. He may run the team in a fashion that Lamar thinks is good but I'm not interested in whether Lamar makes 33 mil or 39 mil in profit. I only care about the team on the field.

**Baby Lee** · 11-30-2004, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I didn't like DV comment that they have the defensive players to get it done. It's all coaching.

WTF? They are going to stand pat again?

- We need a sticky or something. This is and always has been DV's MO. Why are people still surprised?

**morphius** · 11-30-2004, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmt1

DV will be gone after 2005 regardless of whether or not they win the Superbowl. I understand why people would think Carl would leave when Vermiel leaves but I wouldn't count on it. Carl's younger than Vermiel and despite what many think, he's run the team in a fashion that seems to please Lamar Hunt. Hunt's opinion is the only one that matters.

I just really think that if Carl can't get it done during his dream coaches tenure, he will hang it up.

11-30-2004, 02:15 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $2012500	Teicher: Vermeil plans to stick around next year http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...0298715.htm?1c Vermeil plans to stick around But with vague words, Chiefs' coach leaves the door open By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Dick Vermeil, whose burnout 20 years ago resulted in his departure from the game, might be tempted these days to again move on. But Vermeil said Monday that his intent was to coach the Chiefs next season and finish the final year on his contract. “I'm planning on it,” Vermeil said. “I've said that all along.” There wasn't, however, a lot of conviction behind those words, and when pressed whether anything could change his mind, Vermeil sounded tentative. “I don't know that,” he said. “But right now, I'm planning to coach football.” Last year, when Vermeil accepted Carl Peterson's offer of a new, two-year contract, he said he did so because he believed he was having a positive impact on the program. It follows that this year, with the Chiefs at 3-8 and having perhaps the most disappointing season in club history, Vermeil might find himself part of the problem. Perhaps in being vague, Vermeil left himself an escape hatch in the event that a season gone horribly wrong gets even worse over the final five games. But Vermeil otherwise carried on Monday very much like someone planning to coach for another season. He engaged the media in a discussion about the process of preparing for 2005. Vermeil indicated a willingness to accept his share of the blame for this season's failures, but he also said it wouldn't be enough to make him walk away. “I've gotten so I don't walk off the field and blame myself every time,” Vermeil said. “If anybody does that in their career, it's damaging. You may have done a (heck) of a job and got beat. I used to not be able to handle that. That's why I left coaching the first time. “I am totally prepared to handle any criticism. I go about my business because I know what my responsibilities are. It does test you. Very few people in their lives are in professions where they get tested like this. And I know more about this football team than I did last year at the same time. I know they can handle adversity. I know they're tough. I know they care. I know they'll come back and go to work. I know they won't be perfect.” Before getting to next season, Vermeil and the Chiefs have to get through the end of this one. The Chiefs have seen their playoff aspirations take a lethal blow because of a four-game losing streak and will play Sunday at Oakland and four more times for nothing but pride. They faced a similar situation in 2001, Vermeil's first season with the Chiefs. They were also 3-8 that season but finished with three wins in the final five games. The circumstances then were completely different. The Chiefs were rebuilding and expected hard times. “We were growing and trying to implement a system on offense and on defense,” quarterback Trent Green said. “Everybody was trying to learn what coach Vermeil was all about. “This year is more disappointing because of the expectations, the amount of players we had back, the talent we have. I don't know if anybody really thought we could duplicate 13-3. That's hard to do. But everybody felt we could have a successful year, defend our division (championship) and be a playoff team.” With that disappointment comes frustration. One of Vermeil's biggest challenges the rest of this season might be in keeping the locker room united. Green said that was one of his biggest concerns. “We have 15 new guys on the team, roughly around that number, from what we had a year ago,” he said. “With that kind of mix of young and old and then the way we are struggling, there definitely can be tension. Guys' tempers are a little shorter than normal just because of the expectations and what everybody viewed or envisioned the season could be. “That's just something the coaches have to be aware of and the players have to be aware of.” The Chiefs are third in the NFL in scoring and third from the bottom in points allowed, making plausible a split along offensive and defensive lines. A practice-field fight two weeks ago pitting wide receivers against defensive backs could be construed as a sign that is already happening. Vermeil said it wasn't an indication of a team divided. “There are fights on football fields every day,” Vermeil said. “One reason we close practices is so that things that belong in-house remain in-house. Those things are not unusual. I don't ever feel compelled to report to the media that we had fisticuffs. We usually have one every other week.”
Posts: 54,919

11-30-2004, 05:06 AM	#2
big nasty kcnut The pizza king of kansas Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Somewhere in the u.s.a. Casino cash: $1650900	I hope he does and carl peterson leaves. let really give this team hope. __________________ When it's grim, be the grim reaper and go get it. Adopt a chiefs Travis Kelce. You woke up the wrong mother****er!
Posts: 18,821

11-30-2004, 06:43 AM	#3
Gaz Defense Homer Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rancho Gaz Casino cash: $10010793	And now, an opposing view... I like Vermeil and am pleased that he is my Head Coach. I would not be surprised to see him leave after next season. And I would not be surprised to see Peterson chose to leave with him. If that happened, I wonder what that would mean for Saunders’ HC electability. xoxo~ Gaz Vermeil fan.
Posts: 5,911

11-30-2004, 07:30 AM	#4
FringeNC MVP Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: NC Casino cash: $1826014	"A practice-field fight two weeks ago pitting wide receivers against defensive backs could be construed as a sign that is already happening." A battle of the dipshits...
Posts: 10,171

11-30-2004, 07:32 AM	#5
morphius World's finest morphius Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $6965027	I expect everyone to stay next year, maybe Gun will mae some changes to his staff. Then after that, Carl, DV and friends will disappear into the sunset, unless they win the SB
Posts: 25,966

11-30-2004, 07:36 AM	#6
MichaelH Go Chiefs! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Casino cash: $9312006	I wouldn't be upset if Vermiel stayed considering the alternatives. He needs to realize his soft and caring nature is detrimental to this football team. Also, he really needs to realize that a high powered offense doesn't mean squat if the defense can't stop anyone. He needs to learn that a team can win by scoring only 21 points, not 45.
Posts: 3,187

11-30-2004, 07:37 AM	#7
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3169627 VARSITY	I didn't like DV comment that they have the defensive players to get it done. It's all coaching. WTF? They are going to stand pat again? __________________ Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. -YODA
Posts: 78,987