Cunningham fired; Peterson confirms Chiefs' interest in Vermeil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kansas City coach Gunther Cunningham was fired Friday after two seasons as the Chiefs confirmed they wanted to hire Dick Vermeil.

Team president Carl Peterson announced the firing of Cunningham on the Chiefs' Web site. Peterson also said the Chiefs' interest in hiring Vermeil, who retired last year after leading the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl championship.

Cunningham, who was an assistant for more than 30 years, was 16-16 in his two seasons with the Chiefs.

"Today I have made the very difficult decision to relieve Gunther Cunningham of his duties as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs," Peterson said in a statement.

"Difficult because my relationship with Gunther dates far back before he ever came to Kansas City and was one of the reasons that he came here prior to the 1995 season. As such, I feel a personal sadness that it didn't work out. ..."

Cunningham's wife said her husband had no immediate comment.

Earlier Friday, Vermeil said he hoped to become the Chiefs' coach.