The Kansas City Chiefs got some good news to start their new year. Without any fanfare, head coach Dick Vermeil told his staff yesterday that he will return for the 2004 season. Initially Vermeil said he intended on finishing out his contract—which expires after this season—and retiring. But before the season he hinted that he might be interested in returning. Vermeil’s third season with the Chiefs has been the best. They’re the number-two seed in the AFC playoffs and earned a first-round bye by going 13-3 in the regular seaosn. The Chiefs’ offense is the best in team history thanks to offensive coordinator Al Saunders. He’s beginning to attract all sorts of attention from teams needing head coaches. He’s been rumored as a candidate for the Nebraska job, but Saunders says he’s interested in staying in the NFL. Staying in the NFL may mean a head coaching job now. The Raidrs have asked for permission to talk to him about their opening after firing Mike Callahan yesterday.
