With Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil expected to retire after the season, Herm Edwards has been mentioned in NFL circles as the logical successor to his mentor. After all, he used to be an assistant coach and scout for Kansas City and he has known team president Carl Peterson since he was a high-school senior. Edwards is aware of the speculation, and he acknowledged yesterday that "it's nice to hear other people want you." But the Jets' coach, rumored to be interested, said he has no plans to leave. "I want to coach this team as long as I coach," Edwards said in a private moment after his news conference. "When they tell me I can't coach here anymore, I'll move on." Edwards has two years remaining on his contract, so he can't make a unilateral decision to leave for another job. There are looming issues, however, that could come into play. The Jets' salary-cap situation will restrict their ability to rebuild the offense and, with Chad Pennington's uncertain shoulder, they have no quarterback of the present or future. Some coaches might look at that situation and try to run away. "I don't look at it that way," said Edwards, adding, "The offseason will take care of itself. It will come to a head in the offseason, what we have to do, what direction we're going in as an organization. We'll try to fix it and get it going again."