Friday, February 25, 2000
Chiefs coach likes Dillon
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
INDIANAPOLIS — The Kansas City Chiefs braintrust had a working dinner here Thursday night to discuss, among other things, signing Bengals running back Corey Dillon.
Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham sounded as if he'll give Dillon, a restricted free agent, a hearty endorsement. The two had a 45-minute meeting earlier this week in Kansas City.
“When he walks into a room, I'll tell you, he's what you want in a running back,” said Cunningham, in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine. “We ran for over 2,000 yards last year when people said we couldn't run for any. I'll run it 50 times a game if I've got a horse that can do it.”
Dillon's bruising style is a match. The Chiefs and Dillon's agent, Marvin Demoff, have yet to have discussions, and there is no offer. If Dillon signs a deal with the Chiefs, the Bengals have a week to decide if they want to match or take Kansas City's draft picks in the first and third rounds. The Chiefs' first-rounder is the 21st pick, where the Bengals could pluck the draft's first cornerback.
Bengals President Mike Brown said the club made Dillon a recent offer but said it wasn't the five-year, $25 million deal James Stewart signed in Detroit. He also wouldn't say if it was higher or lower.
“We made an offer, and all we get back is accusations,” Brown said. “I'm sure we'll get something going once they get serious, but I don't know when that will be.”
Cunningham and Dillon had a serious conversation in Kansas City, and Cunningham was enthused. He said Dillon didn't strike him as a malcontent, and the two had an easy conversation because Cunningham is familiar with Dillon's hometown of Seattle from his days as a college recruiter.
Cunningham was surprised how open Dillon was about his past, which is marred by several brushes with the law when he was about 15.
“He was very outgoing,” Cunningham said. “At one point I told him: "You know, you don't have to tell me all this. We know a lot of people who know you.' And he said, "No, Coach, I want you to know.' He wanted to give the Corey Dillon picture by Corey Dillon and not by anybody else, and I thought he was great. I was impressed.”
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