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Vermeil

 

Dick Vermeil was voted to be enshrined as an NFL HOF for coaching this past week.  Although some of his resume appears relatively (HOF) modest (126-114 record, 3 Division titles, 1 Super Bowl win in 15 seasons) for a Hall Of Fame projection, Vermeils induction will be well deserved:

  • He was named Coach of the Year at the high school, junior college, collegiate, and professional levels. 
  • He was the first NFL special Teams coach ever (under George Allen in 1969).
  • As an NFL head coach over 15 seasons, he turned not 1, not 2 but THREE NFL franchises (Eagles, then Rams and finally the Chiefs) from losers to winners, taking 2 to the Super Bowl.
  • He is 1 of only 6 NFL coaches ever to lead 2 different teams to the Super Bowl.
  • He was twice named the NFL’s best head coach during his 15 seasons in that role.

He will be 1 of only 27 NFL coaches in the Hall.

Vermeil was a terrific motivator and versatile communicator.  His 15 years of head coaching were spread across 4 decades, requiring he reach out and connect with multiple NFL player generations.  The compliments he received are his testimonial and these deep connections, his ability to motivate & communicate, are the reasons he is receiving this honor:

  • “[Dick’s] passion and love for the game, his players and our city are among the reasons he remains a beloved figure…” Eagle owner Jeffrey Laurie,
  • "He led by example and wasn't going to have anyone outwork him.  I always say that I wish I could be more like Dick Vermeil, because he did everything the right way.”  Eagles MLB Bill Bergey
  • “He did so many wonderful things for so many... He was a compassionate, caring coach who, to this day, has a bond with his former players. He cared about people… When players left the game, he reached out and showed he cared... That's special… a special coach and a special man.” Eagles QB Ron Jaworski
  • “Vermeil helmed a [Chiefs] era characterized by electric moments & playmakers… 27TD season by Priest Holmes, the human joystick Dante Hall, the redefinition of the TE by Tony Gonzalez… led an NFL offense 1st in the NFL in ’02 and ’03, 2nd in ’04…. Helped mold one of the best O-Lines in NFL history… The culture established under his leadership was undeniable & still echoes today.” Chief Reporter Matt McMullen
  •  “[Dick Vermeil is] a Hall Of Fame Human Being… I am forever indebted… ” Chiefs returner Dante Hall
  • “He was an emotional leader… The guys really bought into who he was as a coach. He would bring every position group to his house to get to know the person, the family, everything. That part of the game is missing (today) — the coaches that actually care about their players at that level. And he was one… He was great for us and really brought us together … I always say, had he stayed, we probably would have won a couple more Super Bowls.”  Rams tackle Orlando Pace
  • “He believes in hard work but on the flip side of that, he likes the bond and the unity. He wants you to be successful in life… “He’s taken guys that might not have been going in the right direction and turned them around and made them real good football players but also made them good people… That personal relationship he really has with his players is special.” Chiefs OT Willie Roaf
  • "… the passion he has; you can feel the passion oozing out of him… He challenged us. To find our edge… To prepare when no one else is watching. That's what [makes] a difference."  Rams LB James Laurinaitis

Eagles Lesson: The NFL game proceeds toward an amalgam of analytics and “bang for the buck” (cost / benefit. But the human elements of motivation and communication fostered by Vince Lombardi remain keys to success that transcend sport…  and Dick Vermeil epitomized those values and characteristics of emotional intelligence.

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