[FOX Sports] FOX Sports is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking for a new coach within the next eight or nine days if they miss the playoffs. If they make the first round of the playoffs and lose, they’ll be looking for a new coach within 14-15 days.

Head coach Dick Vermeil will not be brought back as the team’s head coach, even if the Chiefs make it to the playoffs. Vermeil has talked about whether or not he wants to come back but it will not be Vermeil’s call. Instead, he’ll either retire or simply be told they will not re-sign him following the team’s last loss – unless they take a sudden and drastic run to the championship round, a long shot at best.

“It’s no secret in the locker room,” said one Chiefs vet. “We know what the deal is and I think Dick is showing signs that he knows too.”

Basically, it’s time for a change as the Chiefs tried it Vermeil’s way, only to fall short of the ultimate prize. Now, as the team heads toward the final years of an aging offense, they’re going to try a much-needed fresh approach.

Another rumor to squash is the status of Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders. Saunders, without a doubt, will not be the team’s next head coach despite the recommendation of Vermeil. In fact, Vermeil doesn’t have enough recommendations to get Saunders the head gig. That’s not to say Saunders isn’t held in high regard as the team’s coordinator; he’s simply not going to be the team’s head coach.

Names to replace Vermeil include college coaches such as Pete Carroll and Bob Stoops as well as NFLers Herm Edwards (if he can get out of his Jets deal) and Washington’s defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.