Wikipedia

Herm Edwards

Herman Edwards Jr.(born April 27, 1954) is anAmerican footballcoach and former player. He playedcornerbackin theNational Football League(NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with thePhiladelphia Eagles.Edwards was also a head coach in the NFL from 2001 to 2008 with theNew York JetsandKansas City Chiefs.Following the conclusion of his NFL coaching career, Edwards was a football analyst atESPNfrom 2009 to 2017.[1]He later served as the head coach ofArizona State Sun Devilsfrom 2018 to 2022.

Herm Edwards
refer to caption
Edwards in 2022
No. 46
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born:(1954-04-27)April 27, 1954(age 70)
Fort Monmouth, New Jersey,U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:194 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Monterey(Monterey, California)
College:California(1972, 1974)

Monterey Peninsula College(1973)

San Diego State(1975)
Undrafted:1977
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
As an administrator:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions:33
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:6
Defensive touchdowns:2
StatsatPro Football Reference
Head coaching record
Regular season:NFL: 54–74 (.422)
Postseason:NFL: 2–4 (.333)
Career:
  • NFL: 56–78 (.418)
  • NCAA: 18–20 (.474)[a]
Recordat Pro Football Reference

As a player, Edwards is known for scoring the game-winningtouchdownoff a fumble recovery in 1978'sMiracle at the Meadowlands.During his NFL coaching tenure, he reached the playoffs four times, three times with the Jets and once with the Chiefs. His most successful season was in 2002 when he led the Jets to a division title, which is the franchise's most recent. Edwards became popular as a coach and broadcaster for short, punchy declarations dubbed "Hermisms" by fans. The message "You play to win the game!", which he delivered during a Jets press conference, would become the title of his self-help book.

Early life

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Edwards was born on anArmybase inEatontown, New Jersey,[2]the son of an American World War II veteran and his German wife. He graduated fromMonterey High SchoolinMonterey, California.Edwards playedcollege footballat theUniversity of California, Berkeleyin1972and1974,at junior collegeMonterey Peninsula Collegein 1973, and atSan Diego State University (SDSU)in his senior year, 1975. He graduated from SDSU with a degree in criminal justice. 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.

Playing career

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In theNational Football League(NFL), Edwards played nine seasons with thePhiladelphia Eaglesfrom1977to1985,making a championship appearance with the team inSuper Bowl XV.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 incoming head coachBuddy Ryanin 1986. Edwards went on to play briefly for theLos Angeles RamsandAtlanta Falconsin 1986 before announcing his retirement.

The highlight of Edwards' playing career occurred in the twelfth game of the1978 season,in the final seconds of a game against theNew York Giantsat theMeadowlandson November 19. The Giants led 17–12 and the Eagles had no time-outs remaining, but instead of simply taking the snap from center and kneeling, Giants quarterbackJoe Pisarcikattempted to hand the ball off to running backLarry Csonka.However, the ball came loose and Edwards picked it up and returned it for a touchdown, enabling the Eagles to win19–17.[3][4]This play became known inPhiladelphiaas "The Miracle at the Meadowlands"and in New York City as simply" The Fumble. "[5]The Eagles made theplayoffsand the Giants finished at6–10.

Philadelphia's implementation of thevictory formation,which was designed as a result of “The Miracle at the Meadowlands”, was known as the "Herman Edwards play."

Coaching career

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Early years

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After his playing career ended, Edwards became a defensive assistant atSan Jose State(1987–1989),[6]then was an NFL scout and defensive backs coach with theKansas City Chiefs(1990–1995), for formerBrowns,Chiefs,Redskins,andChargerscoachMarty Schottenheimer.With theTampa Bay Buccaneers(1996–2000), he was a defensive backs/assistant head coach underTony Dungy.On January 28, 2001, Edwards was hired as head coach of theNew York Jets.

New York Jets

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In his five years as the Jets head coach, Edwards compiled a39–41regular season record, including a5–15stretch during his final twenty regular season games with the club, and a2–3record in the playoffs. 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 in2001,losing on the road in the first round to theOakland Raiders38–24.In2002,the Jets squeaked into the playoffs with a9–7record, due to winning the tie-breakers in a three-way tie for theAFC EastDivision lead with theNew England Patriotsand theMiami Dolphins.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, losing30–10to theRaiders.Following a disappointing6–10season in2003,the Jets reached the divisional round of the AFC playoffs once more in2004,where they lost to thePittsburgh Steelers20–17.In2005,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 woeful4–12record. Following the end of the season, the Jets made the highly unusual move of trading a coach—Edwards—to another team (theKansas City Chiefs), in exchange for a player to be chosen in round four of the2006 draft.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.[7][8]The Jets replaced Edwards by hiringEric Mangini,a senior assistant coach with the New England Patriots.

Departure from New York

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Following the2005 season,Chiefs presidentCarl Petersonhinted to the press about interest in hiring Edwards that could have been consideredtampering.The Jets granted permission to the Chiefs to speak with Edwards.[9]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 coachDick Vermeil,who was Edwards' coach on the Eagles and had just retired.

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 theJetsa fourth-round pick in the2006 NFL draftas compensation (the Jets later used this selection to takeLeon Washington).[10]

Kansas City Chiefs

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Edwards' regular season coaching debut with the Chiefs was a23–10home loss to theCincinnati Bengalson September 10. His first win with Kansas City came in the third game of the season on October 1, a 41–0 shutout of theSan Francisco 49ers.

The2006 seasonwould see many highs and lows. StartingquarterbackTrent Greensuffered a seriousconcussionin the first game of the season. Despite Green's injury, the Chiefs continued to stay in contention, largely thanks to backup quarterbackDamon HuardandPro Bowlrunning backLarry Johnson.In a move some considered controversial, Edwards chose to sit Huard and start Green when he returned from injury.[11]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 ratingof 98.0[12](2nd best rating in the NFL, second to onlyPeyton Manning).

Additionally, the Chiefs were5–3in 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 going4–4as 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.[citation needed]

The Chiefs finished at 9–7, edging out theDenver Broncos(who lost inOTto theSan Francisco 49ersin the final game of the season) by divisional tiebreaker for second place in theAFC West,and making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC.[13]This was their first playoff appearance since 2003.[14]

On January 6, 2007, the Chiefs were soundly defeated by theIndianapolis Colts23–8.In the first half, the Chiefs offense failed to produce a single first down. This was the first time in the modern NFL era (postAFL–NFL merger), and the first time since 1960, that any team had been held without a first down in the first half of a playoff game.

In2007,Edwards' streak of losses on opening day continued as the Chiefs lost to theHouston Texans20–3.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.[citation needed]

In the 2007 season, the Chiefs were plagued with quarterback, running back, kicker and offensive coaching controversies.Damon Huardstarted the season and compiled a 4–5 record. He was benched in favor of Edwards' 2006 draft choiceBrodie Croyle,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 backLarry Johnsoninjured his foot mid-season and was replaced byPriest Holmeswho came out of retirement late in the year[15]and was ineffective, averaging just three yards per carry and recording no touchdowns.[16]

KickerJustin Medlockwas Edwards' draft choice but was cut after the first game and replaced byDave Rayner.He was cut late in the year and replaced withJohn Carney.Finally, after promotingMike Solarifrom offensive line coach to offensive coordinator in 2007, Edwards fired Solari and replaced him withChan Gaileyin early 2008. He also fired his offensive line coach, receivers coach, and running backs coach.[17]

Chiefs ownerClark Huntset the tone for the2008 seasonby expressing his support for Edwards and general managerCarl Petersonand their plan to rebuild the team. However, Clark did warn that he expected the Chiefs to be competitive for a playoff spot.[citation needed]

In an attempt to rebuild the team, the Chiefs cut numerous aging veterans in the offseason, and the team tradedPro Bowldefensive endJared Allento theMinnesota Vikings.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 theNew England Patriots17–10,a defeat mostly overshadowed by Patriots quarterbackTom Bradysuffering a season-ending injury off a low hit by Chiefs safetyBernard Pollard.The team eventually skidded to a franchise record of 12 consecutive regular-season defeats. The Chiefs finally ended the streak after defeating theDenver Broncos33–19 at home on September 28. However, they were defeated the following week at theCarolina Panthers.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 theSan Diego Chargerson 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 two-point conversion attempt failed, resulting in another loss.[18]He was fired January 23, 2009.

ESPN

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Edwards was hired in 2009 to be an analyst for the network'sNFL Liveprogram.

Arizona State

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Edwards asArizona State Sun Devilshead coach in 2019

On December 3, 2017, Edwards was named the head coach of theArizona Statefootball team.[19]Edwards earned his first win with Arizona State on September 1, 2018, against theUTSA Roadrunners.He earned his first win against a ranked opponent on September 8, 2018, against the 15th-rankedMichigan State Spartans.Arizona State finished with a 7–6 record in Edwards'first season.

The2019 seasonbegan with Edwards choosing true freshmanJayden Danielsto quarterback the Sun Devils. Arizona State would start the season with a 3–0 record, including Edwards' second consecutive win over a ranked Michigan State Spartans team. The team finished 8–5 with aSun Bowlvictory against theFlorida State Seminoles.

On June 16, 2021, ASU confirmed that NCAA is investigating the football program over recruiting high school players during the COVID-19 dead period in 2020.[20]Throughout the course of the2021 season,multiple assistant coaches were placed on administrative leave. After the 2021 season had ended, multiple coaches includingZak HillandAntonio Pierceresigned.[21]17 players including quarterbackJayden Daniels,wide receiverJohnny Wilson,and All-American linebackerEric Gentry,entered the transfer portal as a result of the investigation andNIL.[22]Despite the mass exodus, Edwards remained as head coach for the Sun Devils. On September 18, 2022, Arizona State fired Edwards the day following a 30–21 loss to theEastern Michigan Eagles.[23]

While his tenure included some on-field successes, it was marred by significant controversy and violations of NCAA regulations.

NCAA violations and show-cause penalty

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In 2021, reports surfaced about potential recruiting violations under Edwards' during theCOVID-19 pandemic.The allegations included hosting recruits on campus during a dead period, which was a direct violation of NCAA rules established to ensure fairness and health safety during the pandemic. These infractions indicated a systemic disregard for NCAA regulations and a culture of non-compliance within the program.

Following a detailed investigation, the NCAA found substantial evidence of these violations, leading to significant penalties for Edwards and ASU. On May 11, 2023, the NCAA issued a show cause penalty against Edwards, severely impacting his career and reputation. The show cause order essentially prohibits any NCAA member school from hiring Edwards unless it can demonstrate to the NCAA Committee on Infractions why it should be allowed to do so despite his involvement in major violations. This penalty is among the most severe sanctions the NCAA can impose on an individual coach.[24]

"Hermisms"

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Wikiquote has quotations related toHerm Edwards.

Edwards is known for his motivational speeches and soundbites given at press conferences. The popularity of Edwards' motivational speaking has even led to the publication of his own book of quotes.

Personal life

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Edwards was born inFort Monmouth, New Jersey.Edwards is the son ofMaster SergeantHerman Edwards Sr., and his wife, Martha. Edwards grew up inSeaside, Californiaand attendedMonterey High School.[25]

Edwards graduated fromSan Diego State Universitywith a degree in criminal justice. He and his wife Lia have two daughters, Gabrielle and Vivian. Edwards has a son, Marcus, from a previous relationship.[26]

Edwards has a "tradition" of not watching theSuper Bowluntil he himself participates in one.[27]Edwards did not even watch his friendsTony DungyandLovie Smithparticipate inSuper Bowl XLI.[27]Dungy had a tradition much like what Edwards does, that is, with the exceptions of Dungy's victories in bothSuper BowlsXIIIandXLI.[27]Edwards broke that tradition when, to serve in his capacity as an analyst forESPN,he watchedSuper Bowl XLIVin 2010.

Edwards has a strict workout regimen that has him in the gym at 5:00 AM six days a week.[28]Instead of wearing athletic sneakers with his coaching attire, Edwards wears dress shoes. Before every game, Edwards polishes the shoes himself.

Known widely for his enthusiasm and faith-based personality, Edwards was born and raisedBaptist,but converted with his family and is now a practicingCatholic.[29][30]

Edwards appeared in the 2012 episodeBroke,about the high rates of bankruptcy and poor financial decisions amongst professional athletes, part ofESPN's30 for 30series of sports documentaries. In 2013, Edwards served as a head coach in theNFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[31]Herm was named senior adviser to the proposedMajor League Footballin 2015.

Head-coaching record

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NFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
NYJ 2001 10 6 0 .625 3rd in AFC East 0 1 .000 Lost toOakland RaidersinAFC Wild Card game
NYJ 2002 9 7 0 .562 1st in AFC East 1 1 .500 Lost toOakland RaidersinAFC Divisional Game
NYJ 2003 6 10 0 .375 4th in AFC East – – – –
NYJ 2004 10 6 0 .625 2nd in AFC East 1 1 .500 Lost toPittsburgh SteelersinAFC Divisional Game
NYJ 2005 4 12 0 .250 4th in AFC East – – – –
NYJ Total 39 41 0 .487 2 3 .400
KC 2006 9 7 0 .562 2nd in AFC West 0 1 .000 Lost toIndianapolis ColtsinAFC Wild Card Game
KC 2007 4 12 0 .250 3rd in AFC West – – – –
KC 2008 2 14 0 .125 4th in AFC West – – – –
KC Total 15 33 0 .313 0 1 .000
Total[32] 54 74 0 .422 2 4 .333

College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Arizona State Sun Devils(Pac-12 Conference)(2018–2022)
2018 Arizona State 7–6 5–4 2nd(South) LLas Vegas
2019 Arizona State 8–5 4–5 T–3rd(South) WSun
2020 Arizona State 2–2 2–2 4th(South)
2021 Arizona State 0–5[b] 0–3 T–2nd(South) LLas Vegas
2022 Arizona State 1–2[c] 0–0
Arizona State: 18–20 11–14
Total: 18–20

Notes

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  1. ^All wins during the 2021 season were vacated due to NCAA violations regarding recruiting.
  2. ^All 8 wins vacated due to NCAA violations
  3. ^Edwards was fired after three games.

References

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  1. ^Mortensen, Chris (January 24, 2009)."Chiefs fire Edwards; is Shanahan next in line?".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.RetrievedAugust 7,2024.
  2. ^Merrill, Elizabeth (January 12, 2006)."Coach driven by family, faith, football".The Kansas City Star.Archived fromthe originalon January 12, 2006.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.Seventy-five miles from where his life started on an Army base in Eatontown, N.J., Edwards' New York minute is up.
  3. ^"Final play nightmare".Reading Eagle.(Pennsylvania). Associated Press. November 20, 1978. p. 29.
  4. ^"Alas, New York, New York".Pittsburgh Press.UPI. November 20, 1978. p. B=6.
  5. ^Gola, Hank (September 16, 2015)."Giants' top 10 worst plays: From The Fumble to latest fiasco against Cowboys".New York Daily News.
  6. ^Marshall, By John (September 18, 2022) [September 18, 2022]."Arizona State fires Herm Edwards following loss to Eastern Michigan".The Detroit News.Archivedfrom the original on September 29, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 18,2024.
  7. ^"Herm Jet-Lagged Takes Blame In New Spin On Collapse".New York Daily News.November 16, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.
  8. ^"Herm Edwards: A Head Coach?".Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.
  9. ^"Chiefs given permission to talk to Herm Edwards".Kansas City Chiefs. Archived fromthe originalon May 10, 2006.RetrievedJuly 9,2008.
  10. ^"Herm Edwards named the 10th head coach in Kansas City Chiefs history".Kansas City Chiefs. Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2009.RetrievedJuly 9,2008.
  11. ^Huard shines again,Kansas City Star,January 1, 2007.
  12. ^"ESPN – Damon Huard Stats, News, Photos".December 14, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon December 14, 2007.
  13. ^"2006 Kansas City Chiefs Starters, Roster, & Players".pro-football-reference.Sports Reference, LLC.RetrievedDecember 31,2019.
  14. ^"Kansas City Chiefs Franchise Encyclopedia".pro-football-reference.RetrievedDecember 31,2019.
  15. ^"Holmes Retires, Ending Second Stint With the Chiefs".The New York Times.Associated Press. November 22, 2007.RetrievedDecember 31,2019.
  16. ^"Priest Holmes".NFL.NFL Enterprises LLC.RetrievedDecember 31,2019.
  17. ^"Chiefs fire offensive coordinator, three assistant coaches".NFL.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2019.RetrievedDecember 24,2019.
  18. ^"Chiefs vs. Chargers – Game Recap".ESPN. November 9, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon February 2, 2017.
  19. ^"ESPN's Herm Edwards hired as Arizona State coach".ESPN. December 3, 2017.RetrievedDecember 3,2017.
  20. ^"NCAA investigating ASU football over potential recruiting violations".June 16, 2021.
  21. ^"Timeline: ASU football fallout amid investigation into recruiting violations".February 3, 2022.
  22. ^"A look at Arizona State football's transfer portal exodus".May 20, 2022.
  23. ^Gardner, Michelle (September 18, 2022)."Herm Edwards out as Arizona State Sun Devils football coach".Arizona Republic.RetrievedSeptember 18,2022.
  24. ^"Former Arizona State coach Herm Edwards receives five-year show-cause penalty for NCAA recruiting violations".CBSSports.April 24, 2024.RetrievedMay 15,2024.
  25. ^Ryan Masters."Mother-In-Chief".Carmel Magazine. Archived fromthe originalon January 7, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 22,2007.
  26. ^Crouse, Karen (August 11, 2005)."Edwards Keeps Cool With Baby on Way".The New York Times.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  27. ^abcEdwards enjoys quiet Super sunday[dead link‍]Kansas City Star,February 6, 2007.
  28. ^Jen Murphy (August 24, 2005)."Jets Coach Sticks to an Intense Routine".Wall Street Journal Online.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.
  29. ^Katie Lefebvre (October 30, 2014)."Live Your Life by Faith ESPN analyst tells Catholic Group".Catholic News Service. Archived fromthe originalon July 13, 2021.RetrievedJuly 13,2021.
  30. ^"New Sun Devils coach Herm Edwards is Catholic, says he doesn't like devils".12news.December 4, 2017.RetrievedJuly 13,2021.
  31. ^Finley, Ryan (January 8, 2013)."Arizona Wildcats football: Tutogi and Quinn accept invites to NFLPA Bowl".Arizona Daily Star.Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 9,2013.
  32. ^"Herm Edwards Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks – Pro-Football-Reference".Pro-Football-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2010.
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