Vermeil Retires

(St. Louis-AP) -- Dick Vermeil says the time is right for him to retire. A teary-eyed Vermeil made his decision to leave the St. Louis Rams official during a news conference tonight. The announcement

Tuesday, February 1st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(St. Louis-AP) -- Dick Vermeil says the time is right for him to retire. A teary-eyed Vermeil made his decision to leave the St. Louis Rams official during a news conference tonight. The announcement comes two days after the Rams beat the Tennessee Titans 23-to-16 in Super Bowl 34.
The 63-year-old Vermeil says he doesn't want to find himself in training camp, wondering whether he should still be coaching. He will be succeeded by offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The Rams signed Martz to a new two-year contract in December, assuring he would inherit Vermeil's job.
Vermeil coached two Super Bowl teams 19 years apart. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in 1981. He resigned after saying he was burned out, but returned to take the Rams job in 1997.
Vermeil says he will pursue a job as a T-V analyst. He'll also spend time with his wife and eleven grandkids.