Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil and his wife Carol joined host Rich Eisen on NFL Total Access to talk about the important relationship between coaches and players, and the role Carol has in all of it. NFL Total Access airs Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT (aired March 30, 2004).

Rich Eisen: Thanks for joining us together. The reason we wanted you together is because, Carol, you seem to be such an integral part of the program that your husband is running in K.C., and we wanted to get your thoughts on what's going on in K.C., because they come to your house almost every week, isn't that right, the players?

Carol Vermeil: Yes, we have dinners by position. I think it's important for the boys -- I call them boys because to us they are -- to see where you live. I like to place people. And they love it and they ask, "When is our turn?"

Eisen: How long have you been doing this, welcoming players into your home?

Dick Vermeil: Since my first head-coaching job at Hillsdale High School in 1960.

Eisen: And by position, what do you mean? Do you break it down? Do you have a chart?

Dick Vermeil: All offensive linemen and their wives, then all linebackers and their wives, or "significant friends." We go by a schedule and it all starts in the spring.

Eisen: Who does the cooking?

Dick Vermeil: We both do.

Eisen: And who sets the menu?

Carol Vermeil: We have the same menu every time. We've graduated from tuna casserole to New York strips.

Eisen: I am also told you are in charge of the musical selection as well.

Carol Vermeil: I've always loved music. I've always had something on. Instead of clicking on the TV, we'll put on some music.

Dick Vermeil has always had a great relationship with his players.

Dick Vermeil: We like the relationship phase of coaching and leadership. I've always felt the more we get to know our players, the better job we can do in getting them to become a total person, and maybe add some value to them off the field as well. It's always been fun and we look forward to it more than the kids do, really. It's a little work, but I know the kids are already talking about when we're going to get it started. We usually start with the QBs, long snappers, punters and placekickers on the first one.

Eisen: And how much have you enjoyed getting to know these players?

Carol Vermeil: Oh, very much. We love our boys. They're all good kids, and I think you're more included when you're in a social situation; you're not just the coach's wife over there. And they see you being yourself.

Dick Vermeil: And Carol usually comes to practice once a week, and she'll hold court over there by which group is active and which group is not active, and you always come closer to a few guys who maybe need more help or visit time. To me, Carol has always been like a coach or an assistant coach on the coaching staff as part of our chemistry and relationship building.

Eisen: Before we let you go, one quick bit of business -- what do you think of the instant-replay vote?

Dick Vermeil: I'm glad because I'm for it. I would have voted all the way permanent and add the third challenge if you get the first two right, but I'm a coach and I don't carry the vote for the Chiefs, and I respect Lamar Hunt's opinion and he was one of the three that voted against it. He's right far more than I am, but I'm glad we got it intact for five more years.

Eisen: And you guys met when you were 15, is that right? So that would have you married for how many years?

Carol Vermeil: No way.

Eisen: I guess I just lost my dinner invitation, huh?