Kansas City Star

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – They hugged, he cried, and all that was missing was the tune “Happy Trails” strumming softly in the background.

Dick Vermeil had the body language of a man deeply pondering the end Saturday after the Chiefs’ 20-7 win over the Chargers.

He wrapped himself in a tight embrace with his boss when somebody mentioned Napa, the site of Vermeil’s winery. Much like last week, when the Chiefs collapsed against the Giants, the outcome of the game affected Vermeil deeply.

“I wouldn’t read anything into that right now,” Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson said. “It’s been a long season.

The Chiefs close out the season Sunday against Cincinnati, and it could go down as the year that almost was. A win over the Bengals would put the Chiefs at 10-6 but probably won’t get them in the playoffs.

By next Monday, Kansas City will be hanging on a decision from Vermeil, who’s 69 and in the final year of his contract.

Peterson says his coach hasn’t made up his mind. But it’s obvious Vermeil’s head is swimming. Vermeil, a touchy-feely coach who prides himself on the relationships, walked through the locker room Saturday night with mud caked to his knees and a giant grin on his face. He stopped to hug Tony Richardson, a veteran fullback who’s been with him since Vermeil came to Kansas City in 2001. He kept going.

“It’s been a hard year on everybody,” quarterback Trent Green said. “We had such high expectations, and we still have high expectations. It’s just emotional for him. We know our chances … in terms of the playoffs, aren’t really good.

“He has an appreciation for guys showing up and doing the work and working hard. That’s just him. I think that appreciation kind of overwhelms him.”

So does change. In 16 years, Kansas City has had three coaches. In five years, they’ve had many of the same faces on offense. As Vermeil walked through the locker room late Saturday, Pro Bowl linemen Will Shields and Willie Roaf ripped off their uniforms for possibly the second-to-last time. Shields is arthritic and tired and almost certain to retire; Roaf has been injured and will be 36 next year.

Green will hit 36 next year, too. Green and Vermeil have been together since their days in St. Louis when the Rams won a Super Bowl, and they are close. When Green’s dad died unexpectedly this fall, Vermeil cried.

When the Chiefs lost this season, some say it’s hit their coach harder. After the Giants game, Vermeil said he “wasn’t worth a damn.” After Saturday, Vermeil seemed recharged.

“He believes in them, and they believe in him,” Peterson said. “And their heart, I think, is as big as his.”

Asked what Vermeil’s heart is telling him now, Green said, “I really don’t know.

“Just when I think he’s not going to (come back), then he shows up the next day and he’s got all this energy and he’s ready to go and he gets fired up. I know he’s an emotional person. The losses take a heavy toll. The wins are extremely high and emotional for him.

“He’s hard to read because he is such an emotional person. Obviously, I’ve been with him for a long time. I have great feelings for him. Whatever decision he makes, I’m going to support it. I’ve been blessed to be with him for as long as I have and to have him as a friend and a coach.”

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AP-NY-12-25-05 2129EST