New ASU coach Edwards: ‘This is the right situation’
ASU VP Anderson shrugs off criticism, says Edwards has right vision for job
On Monday morning, while crews outside worked on the final major reconstruction stages of Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State introduced the central figure in this makeover, a 63-yearold former NFL coach who has been out of the game for nearly a decade.
Herm Edwards objects to that, by the way. He insists that while he’s sat in the ESPN analyst chair since 2009, he has coached this sport, lived and breathed it. And that’s why he thinks his transition into ASU football as its 24th head coach will be easier than most expect.
“When you sit there in the seat I’ve been in, you watch a lot of football,” Edwards said. “You watch college football, you watch pro football. You break football down. I’ve visited a lot of college campuses. I’m been invited to practices.”
Whether it’s on television or on a stage, Edwards has a rare ability to connect with his audience. (“You doing all right, brother?” he asked while walking past a reporter.) He is charming and funny, direct and passionate. All these traits were on display on the suite level of Sun Devil Stadium, a news conference that was short on specifics and heavy on passion.
After firing coach Todd Graham – and paying him a $12 million buyout – Ray Anderson knows he’s on the line here. Easy analysis: The ASU vice president of athletics doesn’t care. Or maybe he’s simply confident in his decision. Although he mentioned having multiple discussions with agents and others, Anderson declined to say how many candidates he interviewed for the ASU job because he didn’t find it appropriate.
Anderson also acknowledged the issue that rubs so many the wrong way – his past with Edwards. He’s known the former NFL coach for 20 years. As an agent, Anderson represented him. When asked if he had to sell this to Edwards the first time they talked, Anderson wasn’t sure what to say because they talk so often.
“He knows I wouldn’t have come to Arizona State unless there was a very significant and different opportunity,” Anderson said. “Some people say, ‘Well, it’s cronyism and his old buddy.’ What I would say to that is, it’s simply not a factor. It’s about fit and vision and very frankly, the willingness to invest. Skin in the game.”
Since word first leaked of Edwards’ candidacy, ASU has faced criticism, both nationally and locally. This is an outside-the-box hire in a sport that celebrates tradition. A move that discarded a somewhat popular coach and replaced him with a wild card.
It’s different.
And risky.
Before his analyst gig, Edwards logged eight years as an NFL head coach. The first five came with the New York Jets, the next three with the Kansas City Chiefs. He made the playoffs four years but finished with a 54-74 mark. A lasting lesson:
“I know about hurt quarterbacks – I’ve had a bunch,” Edwards said. “When I was a good coach my quarterback
stayed alive and we were in the playoffs. When I wasn’t, not so much fun.”
Edwards starts with a standard five-year deal. Anderson would not disclose salary but he made it clear that once the figure is known everyone would see that Edwards’ motivation here is not financial.
“It was about the chance to make a difference in a place that obviously has a vision and expectations that are much loftier than most people think we deserve to have,” Anderson said.
After Monday’s media obligations, Edwards met with ASU’s current coaching staff. According to sources, offensive coordinator Billy Napier is a good bet to stay in place, which would provide some continuity. Last week, running backs coach John Simon and receivers coach Rob Likens both said they would welcome the opportunity to return.
The rest of the staff is not yet known. Edwards said he has heard from a lot of coaches, all expressing interest in joining him. He plans to iron out details as soon as possible. He knows recruiting is a priority – the early signing date runs Dec. 20-22 – something he will monitor as he returns to Bristol, Conn., for his final week at ESPN. His last day there is Friday.
Across the country, teams are hiring younger coaches. By the time ASU plays its first game next season, Edwards will be 64. His response: “I don’t have to play.” Edwards insists his mind and body are in great shape. Although he can’t run anymore – the results of a 10-year NFL playing career – he gets up at 4 a.m. every day (no alarm clock) to exercise.
From there he doesn’t stop until his 10 p.m. bedtime. “Why do we put a number on people’s expectations when you get a certain age?” Edwards said. “I’ve never let anyone tell me about my expectations. If I feel I could not do this? I have a good job; I could stay there. But the vision of the two men (Anderson and ASU president Michael Crow) I’m involved with – I want to do this. This is the right situation.”