But it won’t end there. By the time the Chiefs hire a replacement for the newly retired Dick Vermeil, president/general manager Carl Peterson probably will have talked with several candidates with far-reaching backgrounds: college head coaches, NFL assistants and former NFL head coaches.

Peterson indicated Sunday after the Vermeil era ended with a 37-3 win over Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium that he has several names on his search list, though he would reveal none other than Saunders. But NFL defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of Washington, a native of Excelsior Springs, and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops could be on that list.

One of Peterson’s favorite candidates, Jets coach Herman Edwards, appears to be off limits. Edwards has two years remaining on his contract, and Peterson said NFL tampering rules forbid him from contacting the Jets regarding Edwards.

“If the Jets call me, obviously I’d talk to them,” Peterson said.

Asked whether he would interview other internal candidates in addition to Saunders, Peterson said, “At this point, no.”

That would rule out former Chiefs head coach Gunther Cunningham, now their defensive coordinator.