For 14 years Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards has lived the good life, guiding NFL players on Sunday.

“I’m just happy coaching,” Edwards said during his Tuesday news conference. “In my lifetime I’ve never had a real job. I’ve been in football all my life. It’s all I know.”

Edwards can credit his path in life to this week’s opposing coach. The San Diego Chargers’ Marty Schottenheimer gave Edwards his first NFL coaching job as a Chiefs defensive backs coach from 1992-94.

“I’ve learned a lot from Marty Schottenheimer,” Edwards said. “And there’s no doubt about it. I was fortunate to be around him and fortunate to be hired by him.”

Edwards praised the Chargers coach’s organizational skills and meticulousness. He also learned to adhere to a philosophy despite those who complained about his conservative approach.

“He’s got a little German in him. So I know he’s stubborn,” Edwards said. “I knew that, and it’s kind of interesting ’cause I’ve got a little German in me, too. So maybe I’m stubborn that way.”

Edwards’ obstinacy to a ball-control attack and a strong defense have come under attack this year. Although the defense ranks 11th, up from 25th last year, the offense lacks the exciting pyrotechnics of 2005. Last year’s 10-6 team had the NFL’s top-ranked offense, while this season’s 2-3 team has fallen to 26th.

Kansas City's Larry Johnson (27) is stopped by Pittsburgh cornerback Deshea Townshend (26). Johnson is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, but coach Herm Edwards would like to involve him in the offense more.

“I believe in certain things,” Edwards said. “I don’t get talked out of it. I don’t get persuaded.”

Edwards’ critics intensified following Sunday’s annihilation – a 45-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, coached by Bill Cowher, another Schottenheimer protege, soundly executed their version of “Martyball”, rushing for 219 yards and grinding up more than 34 minutes of clock.

This week, Edwards faces one of the orginators of that philosophy. Edwards wants to use Larry Johnson like Schottenheimer uses LaDainian Tomlinson, who paces the No. 2 rushing offense in the league.

Johnson, however, has struggled, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. One year after rushing for 1,750 and 20 touchdowns in nine games, he has 357 through five games.

“It’s a little frustrating for him,” Edwards said. “But there’s a lot of season left.”

Edwards said two factors had led to Johnson’s decreased production. The Chiefs have fallen behind, forcing them to abandon the run. And with Trent Green injured, teams no longer fear the Kansas City passing game and can load up against the run.

After Sunday’s devastating loss, Edwards seeks to showcase a running game, which would make his mentor proud.

“Last week we took a step backwards,” he said. “OK, now what? We’ve got to play San Diego and we’ve got to play better.”