{"id":13869,"date":"2017-12-05T20:39:55","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T02:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=13869"},"modified":"2017-12-05T20:42:07","modified_gmt":"2017-12-06T02:42:07","slug":"the-hiring-of-herm-edwards-means-arizona-state-will-be-a-must-see-football-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=13869","title":{"rendered":"The Hiring Of Herm Edwards Means Arizona State Will Be A Must-See Football Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"HERM EDWARDS INTRODUCED AS ASU FOOTBALL HEAD COACH\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Herm Edwards is fired up at ASU press conference.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Herm Edwards brought the energy to his first ASU Sun Devil’s press conference on Monday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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College football is a breeding ground for innovation. It rewards schemers, dreamers and those who dare to be different. Critics who detest the hiring of Herm Edwards<\/a> must confess the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arizona State should be applauded for thinking outside the gridiron, for not sticking with a conventional approach that has failed the program for decades.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards is a dubious choice, maybe even a terrible choice. If he were a transcendent coach, he would demand full autonomy, hire his own staff and build ASU football in his vision.<\/strong><\/p>\n

His boss is his former agent, fueling accusations of cronyism. His opening press conference was a strange brew, blending the inspirational and the bizarre. His biggest challenge is even greater than the checks written by Ray Anderson, which are considerable:\u00a0$12.3 million to Todd Graham, who contended for the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award; and all those he wrote with his mouth, including the lofty expectation of a perennial top-15 program.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards will also inherit a target on his back, the byproduct of ASU\u2019s new model for winning championships<\/a> in college football. While Valley fans scratch their heads trying to parse all the corporate speak coming from the football program, the rest of the country rolls its eyes.<\/strong><\/div>\n

In sports, nobody likes a know-it-all.\u00a0Franchises that act like they\u2019re reinventing the wheel often pay a price for their smugness. NFL defenders loved humbling Chip Kelly when he arrived in Philadelphia, attempting to turn the Eagles into Ducks. NBA players feel the same way about shutting down Lonzo Ball, comeuppance for his loud-mouth father. The Diamondbacks have encountered this problem frequently, from the condescending days of Buck Showalter to the appointment of Tony La Russa as chief baseball officer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Same applies to ASU. The shift in football philosophy is so non-traditional that it reeks of arrogance. Edwards discounted the disadvantages of his lengthy sideline absence, insisting that he\u2019s coaching football every day he goes to work at ESPN. The latter is patently absurd and dismissive of the complex duties that arise every day in college football.<\/strong><\/div>\n

\"\"Opponents will take pride in proving ASU wrong.\u00a0They will combat Edwards\u2019 living room rhetoric with fresh criticism of a program that hasn\u2019t won the Rose Bowl since 1987. Edwards will tell recruits about the train leaving the station, and how ASU has everything they need to succeed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

These kids will also hear from salesmen at other schools. They will say that ASU is destined to fail, a program that has paired an aging TV analyst and an unproven approach with unrealistic expectations. What could possibly go wrong?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Still, anything is possible in college football. Jim Harbaugh turned Stanford into a monster. Mike Bellotti and Chip Kelly lifted Oregon to unprecedented heights, worthy of Phil Knight\u2019s Nike money. And it\u2019s clear that Anderson saw something in Graham he didn\u2019t like, a head coach who forged an impressive record and a coaching tree of assistants who are making their mark elsewhere. But he was also a lone wolf, hard on those in his employ and a guy that never seemed to make a lot of friends inside the business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n

That\u2019s where Edwards is different. He has an abundance of friends. He will better relate to African-American families and players. His television pedigree will count for something.\u00a0And if ASU can build an infrastructure that allows Edwards to do only what he does well \u2013 closing the deal with recruiting pitches, motivating with words and leading young men \u2013 then this wacky experiment has a chance to succeed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Herman Edwards Jr.\u00a0is an American football<\/a> coach and former National Football League<\/a> (NFL) player. He is currently the head coach at Arizona State University<\/a>, a position he assumed in December 2017. From 2009 to 2017, he was a pro football analyst for ESPN<\/a>.<\/sup> He played cornerback<\/a> for 10 seasons (1977\u20131986) with the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>, Los Angeles Rams<\/a>, and Atlanta Falcons<\/a>. Prior to his coaching career, Edwards was known best as the player who recovered a fumble by Giants<\/a> quarterback Joe Pisarcik<\/a> on a play dubbed the “Miracle at the Meadowlands<\/a>.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Before being hired as the 10th head coach in Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> history, Edwards was the head coach of theNew York Jets<\/a> from 2001 to 2005. He is known for his gameday terminology, dubbed “Hermisms” by fans. Of these, the quote and sound bite, “You play to win the game!”, a message that Edwards gave during a New York Jets<\/a> press conference, became the title of his book, a collection of “leadership lessons” for the reader to use as personal motivation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

WHO IS HERM EDWARDS? THIS IS A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE MAN.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards was born on an Army base in Eatontown, New Jersey<\/a>.<\/sup> The son of an African American<\/a> World War II veteran and his German wife, Edwards played college football<\/a> at the University of California<\/a> in 1972 and 1974, at Monterey Peninsula Junior College in 1973, and at San Diego State<\/a> in his senior year, 1975. He graduated from SDSU with a degree in criminal justice. Edwards was committed to the community he adopted on the Monterey Peninsula. He helped promote Monterey County Special Olympics for several years. His public involvement helped educate Monterey County residents about the importance of athletics with the developmentally disabled.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the NFL<\/a>, Edwards played nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> from 1977 to 1985, making a championship appearance with the team in Super Bowl XV<\/a>. His 33 career interceptions is one short of the franchise record. He never missed a game in his nine seasons with the Eagles, remaining active with the team for 135 consecutive regular season games until being cut by then-incoming head coach Buddy Ryan<\/a> in 1986. Edwards went on to play briefly for the Los Angeles Rams<\/a> and Atlanta Falcons<\/a> in 1986 before announcing his retirement.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The highlight of Edwards’ playing career occurred on November 19, 1978, in the final seconds of a game against the New York Giants<\/a> at the Meadowlands<\/a>. The Giants led 17-12 and the Eagles had no time-outs remaining; but instead of simply taking the snap from center and taking a knee, Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik<\/a> attempted to hand the ball off to running back Larry Csonka<\/a>. However, the ball came loose, and Edwards picked it up and returned it for a touchdown, enabling the Eagles to win 19-17. This play became known in Philadelphia<\/a> as The Miracle at the Meadowlands<\/a> and in New York City as simply “The Fumble.”<\/sup><\/strong>\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Philadelphia’s implementation of the victory formation<\/a>, which was designed as a result of The Miracle at the Meadowlands, was known as the “Herman Edwards play.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

After his playing career ended, Edwards became a defensive assistant at San Jose State University<\/a> (1987\u20131989), then was an NFL scout and defensive backs coach with the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> (1990\u20131995), for former Browns<\/a>, Chiefs<\/a>, Redskins<\/a>, and Chargers<\/a> coach Marty Schottenheimer<\/a>. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> (1996\u20132000), he was a defensive backs\/assistant head coach under Tony Dungy<\/a>. On January 28, 2001, despite never having previously held a head coaching or coordinator position, Edwards was hired as head coach of the New York Jets<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

New York Jets<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

In his five years as the Jets head coach, Edwards compiled a 39-41 record, including a 2-3 record in the playoffs and a 5-15 stretch during his final 20 regular season games with the club. Edwards decided to run a 4-3 “Cover 2” defense. Although many fans and players questioned Edwards’ decisions, the Jets had mild success in Edwards’ first two seasons, reaching the playoffs in both. The Jets were the sixth seed in 2001, losing on the road in the first round to the Oakland Raiders<\/a> by the score of 38\u201324. In 2002, the Jets squeaked into the playoffs with a 9-7 record, due to winning the tie-breakers in a three-way tie for the AFC East Division lead with the New England Patriots<\/a> and the Miami Dolphins<\/a>. The Jets advanced through the Wildcard round this time, which led to a return trip to Oakland. Once again, Edwards and the Jets came up short, losing 30-10 to the Raiders. Following a disappointing 6-10 season in 2003, the Jets reached the divisional round of the AFC playoffs once more in 2004, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> 20-17. In 2005, a year marred by injuries, inconsistent play, lack of player development, and rumors swirling about Edwards possibly leaving the organization, Edwards led the Jets to a woeful 4-12 record. Following the end of the season, the Jets made the highly unusual move of trading a coach\u2014Edwards\u2014to another team (the Kansas City Chiefs), in exchange for a player to be chosen in round four of the 2006 NFL Draft<\/a>. Overall, Edwards’ tenure as head coach of the Jets was marred by chronic clock management problems, an ultra-conservative “play not to lose” mentality, and a lack of any discernible defensive philosophy, despite Edwards’ supposed expertise in the Cover 2 defense.[4]<\/a><\/sup><\/sup> The Jets replaced Edwards by hiring Eric Mangini<\/a>, a senior assistant coach with the New England Patriots.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Departure from New York<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"Following the 2005 season, Carl Peterson<\/a> (president of the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>) hinted to the press about interest in hiring Edwards that could have been consideredtampering<\/a>. The Jets granted permission to the Chiefs to speak with Edwards.\u00a0<\/sup> At the time, Edwards had two years remaining on his contract with the Jets. However, Peterson wanted Edwards (a longtime personal acquaintance) to succeed head coach Dick Vermeil<\/a>, who had just retired.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the rumors started swirling, a war of words between the two teams began to start up in the media. In the midst of all the speculation, Edwards tried to use what leverage he thought he had with the Jets to get a contract extension and hefty pay raise from the Jets, which only served to further anger the club’s owner. Eventually, the two teams worked out a deal, and the Chiefs sent the Jets<\/a> a fourth-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft<\/a> as compensation (the Jets later used this selection to take Leon Washington<\/a>).<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kansas City Chiefs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

On September 10, 2006, Edwards made his regular-season coaching debut with the Chiefs as the team lost at home to the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-10. Edwards’ first win with the Chiefs came on October 1, 2006 with a defeat of the San Francisco 49ers, 41-0 in, the third game of the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2006 Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> season would see many highs and lows. Starting quarterback<\/a> Trent Green<\/a> suffered a serious concussion<\/a> in the first game of the season. Despite Green’s injury, the Chiefs continued to stay in contention, largely thanks to backup quarterback Damon Huard<\/a> and Pro Bowl<\/a> running back Larry Johnson<\/a>. In a move some considered controversial, Edwards chose to sit Huard and start Green when he returned from injury.<\/sup> At the time, Huard’s performance at quarterback was one of the best in the league, having thrown 11 touchdowns and just one interception, averaging 7.7 yards per pass attempt, and posting aquarterback rating<\/a> of 98.0[9]<\/a><\/sup> (2nd best rating in the NFL, second to only Peyton Manning<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Additionally, the Chiefs were 5-3 in games started by Huard in 2006. Upon his return, Green struggled and failed to perform at the level of play that he had achieved in previous seasons, throwing seven touchdowns (against nine interceptions) and going 4-4 as a starter. Green’s poor play led to Edwards placing more of the offensive burden on the shoulders of Larry Johnson, who ultimately ended up setting a record for rushing attempts in a season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chiefs finished the 2006 season with a 9-7 record, edging out the Denver Broncos<\/a> (who lost in OT<\/a> to the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> in the final game of the season) by divisional tiebreaker for second place in the AFC West<\/a>, and making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC. This was their first playoff appearance in the previous three seasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On January 6, 2007, the Edwards-led Chiefs were soundly defeated by the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> 23-8. In the first half, the Chiefs offense failed to produce a single first down. This was the first time in the modern NFL era (post AFL\u2013NFL merger<\/a>), and the first time since 1960, that any team had been held without a first down in the first half of a playoff game.<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards’ second regular season with the Chiefs began on September 9, 2007. Edwards streak of losses on opening day continued as the Chiefs lost to Houston Texans<\/a>, by the score of 20-3. This loss marked the first time since the opening day of the 1970 season that the Chiefs had lost by a margin of 17 points on opening day, and was the first time in a decade that the Chiefs had been held to three points or less on opening day. The Chiefs under Edwards ended the 2007 season 4-12 with a nine-game losing streak, which tied the then-longest losing streak in the history of the Chiefs franchise.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the 2007 season, the Chiefs were plagued with quarterback, running back, kicker and offensive coaching controversies. Damon Huard<\/a> started the season and compiled a 4-5 record. He was benched in favor of Edwards’ 2006 draft choice Brodie Croyle<\/a>, who split time with Huard mid-season, was injured, then finished most of the season. Croyle played in a total of nine games and did not win any. Running back Larry Johnson<\/a> injured his foot mid-season and was replaced by Priest Holmes<\/a> who came out of retirement late in the year and was ineffective.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kicker Justin Medlock<\/a> was Edwards’ draft choice but was cut after the first game and replaced by Dave Rayner<\/a>. He was cut late in the year and replaced with John Carney<\/a>. Finally, after promoting Mike Solari<\/a> from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator in 2007, Edwards fired Solari and replaced him with Chan Gailey<\/a> in early 2008. He also fired his offensive line coach, receivers coach, and running backs coach.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt<\/a> set the tone for the 2008 season by expressing his support for Edwards and general manager Carl Peterson<\/a> and their plan to rebuild the team. However, Clark did warn that he expected the Chiefs to be competitive for a playoff spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"In an attempt to rebuild the team, the Chiefs cut numerous aging veterans in the offseason, and the team traded Pro Bowl<\/a> defensive end Jared Allen<\/a> to the\u00a0Minnesota Vikings<\/a>. As a result, Edwards fielded one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Edwards’ streak of opening day defeats continued as the Chiefs lost to the\u00a0New England Patriots<\/a> 17-10. The team eventually skidded to a franchise record of 12 consecutive regular-season defeats. The Chiefs finally ended the streak after defeating the Denver Broncos<\/a> at home on September 28, 2008 by a score of 33-19. However, they were defeated the following week at the Carolina Panthers<\/a>. During that game, the Chiefs managed to gain only 127 total yards, which was their worst offensive performance in 22 years. In a game against the San Diego Chargers<\/a> on November 9, Edwards opted to go for a 2-point conversion to win (rather than tie the game) after the Chiefs has scored a touchdown to bring the score to 20-19. The controversial decision backfired, as the 2-point conversion attempt failed, resulting in another loss.<\/sup> He was fired January 23, 2009.<\/strong><\/p>\n

ESPN<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Edwards was hired in 2009 to be an analyst for the network’s NFL Live<\/a> program.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arizona State<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

On December 3, 2017, Edwards was named the head coach of the Arizona State<\/a> football team.<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

Head coaching record<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

NFL<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Team<\/strong><\/th>\nYear<\/strong><\/th>\nRegular season<\/strong><\/th>\nPostseason<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Won<\/strong><\/th>\nLost<\/strong><\/th>\nTies<\/strong><\/th>\nWin\u00a0%<\/strong><\/th>\nFinish<\/strong><\/th>\nWon<\/strong><\/th>\nLost<\/strong><\/th>\nWin\u00a0%<\/strong><\/th>\nResult<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2001<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n10<\/strong><\/td>\n6<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.625<\/strong><\/td>\n3rd in AFC East<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n.000<\/strong><\/td>\nLost to Oakland Raiders<\/a> in AFC Wild-Card Game<\/a>.<\/small><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2002<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n9<\/strong><\/td>\n7<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.562<\/strong><\/td>\n1st in AFC East<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n.500<\/strong><\/td>\nLost to Oakland Raiders<\/a> in AFC Divisional Game<\/a>.<\/small><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2003<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n6<\/strong><\/td>\n10<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.375<\/strong><\/td>\n4th in AFC East<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2004<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n10<\/strong><\/td>\n6<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.625<\/strong><\/td>\n2nd in AFC East<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n.500<\/strong><\/td>\nLost to Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> in AFC Divisional Game<\/a>.<\/small><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2005<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n4<\/strong><\/td>\n12<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.250<\/strong><\/td>\n4th in AFC East<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NYJ Total<\/strong><\/th>\n39<\/strong><\/th>\n41<\/strong><\/th>\n0<\/strong><\/th>\n.487<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n2<\/strong><\/th>\n3<\/strong><\/th>\n.400<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
KC<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2006<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n9<\/strong><\/td>\n7<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.562<\/strong><\/td>\n2nd in AFC West<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n.000<\/strong><\/td>\nLost to Indianapolis Colts<\/a> in AFC Wild-Card Game<\/a>.<\/small><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
KC<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2007<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n4<\/strong><\/td>\n12<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.250<\/strong><\/td>\n3rd in AFC West<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
KC<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2008<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n2<\/strong><\/td>\n14<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/strong><\/td>\n.125<\/strong><\/td>\n4th in AFC West<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n–<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
KC Total<\/strong><\/th>\n15<\/strong><\/th>\n33<\/strong><\/th>\n0<\/strong><\/th>\n.313<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n0<\/strong><\/th>\n1<\/strong><\/th>\n.000<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Total[13]<\/a><\/sup><\/strong><\/th>\n54<\/strong><\/th>\n74<\/strong><\/th>\n0<\/strong><\/th>\n.422<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n2<\/strong><\/th>\n4<\/strong><\/th>\n.333<\/strong><\/th>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Coaching tree<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

NFL head coaches under whom Herm Edwards has served:<\/strong><\/p>\n