Chiefs Hire Vermeil as Coach

ByABC News
January 12, 2001, 1:08 PM

K A N S A S  C I T Y, Mo., Jan 12 -- Dick Vermeil, who emerged fromretirement to coach the struggling St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowlchampionship, is once again starting over — this time in KansasCity.

Vermeil was formally named head coach of the Chiefs today byteam president and general manager Carl Peterson, who enticed hisold friend out of a second retirement with a three-year deal wortha reported $10 million.

Addressing reporters at Arrowhead Stadium, Vermeil said thebiggest reason he came back was because of his friendship withPeterson, and "also realizing what I am as a coach. That's what Iam."

Among the Highest-Paid Coaches

Vermeil's hiring is a coup for Peterson, who has always wantedhis friend to coach the Chiefs. Now, with one of the NFL's richestcoaching contracts and the blessing of NFL Commissioner PaulTagliabue, he's got his wish.

"I think he is the premier head football coach in the NationalFootball League," Peterson said, repeating a statement he made twodays earlier.

Vermeil's contract would be among the biggest for an NFL coach.Mike Holmgren of Seattle makes $4 million a year, while Minnesota'sDennis Green makes $3 million. Both have formal front-officeresponsibilities along with on-the-field coaching.

Before Marty Schottenheimer took over the team in 1989 and ledthe Chiefs to seven playoff appearances in 10 seasons, Petersontried unsuccessfully to lure Vermeil out of retirement. The Chiefsand Vermeil rarely lost touch; Vermeil often performed colorcommentary on Chiefs preseason broadcasts during the 1990s.

To get Vermeil, the Chiefs will give the Rams — the team Vermeilcoached to the 2000 Super Bowl title — their second-round draftpick this year and a third-rounder in 2002. That third-round pickwill come courtesy of the Washington Redskins, who gave the Chiefsthe pick in exchange for the rights to Schottenheimer.

Vermeil will also repay the $500,000 the Rams paid him last yearon a consultant contract he signed after unexpectedly resigningafter the Super Bowl victory over Tennessee.