Saunders interviewing for HC job today

Prophet · 01-03-2006, 11:26 PM

on Tue, Jan. 03, 2006
Chiefs coordinator Saunders a candidate for several NFL jobs
DOUG TUCKER
Associated Press
Link

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Al Saunders, architect of the most productive offense in the NFL the past five years, traveled to Minnesota on Tuesday to interview for the Vikings' head coaching job. From there, he said, he was headed for Houston to talk with the Texans.

Saunders, the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator since 2001, said he also spent several hours Tuesday talking with Carl Peterson, the Chiefs president and general manager, about replacing Dick Vermeil, who retired Sunday.

Saunders also said the Detroit Lions want approval to speak with him.

"I know that Detroit has asked permission to talk to me and that's going through the formal process," he told The Associated Press on Tuesday morning while on his way to the airport. "I don't know when that will take place. Right now I'm just focused on my preparation."

Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said Tuesday that the team's policy is not to confirm or deny reports about potential candidates. But he said the process has begun to move forward to find a permanent coach.

Steve Mariucci was let go Nov. 28 after two-plus seasons with a 15-28 record, adding to a long list of coaching failures for the franchise. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, who hopes to be brought back, became the interim coach.

Saunders, a fitness expert who continues to compete in marathons at age 57, was head coach at San Diego in 1986-88. He turned down an offer two years ago to become head coach at Nebraska.

"The timing just was not right," he said. "We (the Chiefs) were preparing for a playoff game in 2003, and I just didn't think I could be loyal to the Chiefs and the players if I took another job at the same time."

Saunders' offensive credentials are impressive. Under his command, Kansas City has led the NFL the past five years in total net yards (30,470), touchdowns (262), rushing touchdowns (131) and first downs (1,760). The Chiefs' 2,157 total points in that period trails only the 2,170 of Indianapolis.

Saunders said he had a good conversation with Peterson but was keeping all his options open.

"Things went very, very well," said Saunders. "I don't know what will take place."

Vermeil and many Kansas City players have lobbied Peterson to make Saunders their next head coach. Peterson, however, is lining up interviews with other candidates and is thought to be interested in Jets coach Herman Edwards, a close friend whom he has known since Edwards was in college. An obstacle is that the Chiefs would have to part with draft choices as compensation, as they did when they hired Vermeil even though he was retired from the St. Louis Rams.

"I would love to see Al Saunders replace me," Vermeil said. "I really would.

"I just know there's a number of people who were given opportunities who weren't nearly as qualified and hadn't paid their dues, and what a remarkable job he's done here."

If he has multiple offers, Saunders said he would be tempted to stay in Kansas City.

"I would like very much to have that opportunity," he said. "I think I would be a good for someone. Hopefully, I'll get a chance."

**V4L** · 01-03-2006, 11:30 PM

SAMDAWG!! There's your buddy!

I believe Saunders is a good coach.. I would take him or Chilldress or Kubiak

**PurpleRide** · 01-03-2006, 11:48 PM

I think we need a defensive minded coach, its too bad greg williams is out now. I would like the DC from chicago, if not him childress from philly.

**V-Unit** · 01-03-2006, 11:50 PM

"PurpleRide" wrote:

I think we need a defensive minded coach, its too bad greg williams is out now. I would like the DC from chicago, if not him childress from philly.

I totally agree, but please not Ted Cottrell. For some reason the vikings homepage on espn has an awful headline that I dare not repeat.

**miakurtzy07** · 01-03-2006, 11:52 PM

i heard that we along with st louis asked permission to speak with the bear's DC

**snowinapril** · 01-03-2006, 11:54 PM

I want Suanders!! I like the offensive coach. We have a seasoned defense that contains a lot of Veterans. Ted has got to be more solid or we still need to find another DC which the new HC might have recommendations.

I don't want Martz, not that we are even considering him.

I could do with Childress.

I would have like to get Williams(skins), he is off the market, the only Defensive coach that I really wanted.

**magicci** · 01-03-2006, 11:57 PM

I really like this idea. I hope we get him, we could do great things with our offene.

**hailtocarter** · 01-03-2006, 11:59 PM

"V-Unit" wrote:

"PurpleRide" wrote:

I think we need a defensive minded coach, its too bad greg williams is out now. I would like the DC from chicago, if not him childress from philly.

I totally agree, but please not Ted Cottrell. For some reason the vikings homepage on espn has an awful headline that I dare not repeat.

I just saw that....please no.

**MensaTice** · 01-04-2006, 12:02 AM

Who knows how much he really knows. He's been blessed with the best offensive line, tight end, and running back. He might be a good hire, maybe not. My opinion of a guy like Saunders would depend on who he brings on his staff. If we end up with him I hope he doesn't bring Gunther with him to run our defense.