Editing Herm Edwards

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1954)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name           = Herm Edwards
| image          = Herm Edwards by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| alt            = 
| caption        = Edwards in 2022
| number         = 46
| position       = [[Cornerback]]
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1954|04|27}}
| birth_place    = [[Fort Monmouth|Fort Monmouth, New Jersey]], U.S.
| death_date     = 
| death_place    = 
| height_ft      = 6
| height_in      = 0
| weight_lb      = 194
| high_school    = [[Monterey High School (Monterey, California)|Monterey]] {{nowrap|([[Monterey, California]])}}
| college        = [[California Golden Bears football|California]] (1972, 1974)
[[Monterey Peninsula College]] (1973)
[[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]] (1975)
| undraftedyear  = 1977
| pastteams      =
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ({{NFL Year|1977}}–{{NFL Year|1985}})
* [[Atlanta Falcons]] ({{NFL Year|1986}})
* [[Los Angeles Rams]] ({{NFL Year|1986}})
| pastcoaching   =
* [[San Jose State Spartans football|San Jose State]] (1987–1989) <br> Defensive backs coach
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|1992}}–{{NFL Year|1995}}) <br> Defensive backs coach
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|1996}}–{{NFL Year|2000}}) <br> Assistant head coach & defensive backs coach
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2001}}–{{NFL Year|2005}}) <br> Head coach
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2008}}) <br> Head coach
* [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] (2018–2022) <br> Head coach
| pastadmin      =
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|1990}}–{{NFL Year|1991}}) <br> Scout
| highlights     =
* Second-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference football teams|All-Pac-8]] ([[1974 All-Pacific-8 Conference football team|1974]])
| statlabel1     = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue1     = 33
| statlabel2     = Forced fumbles
| statvalue2     = 2
| statlabel3     = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3     = 6
| statlabel4     = [[Touchdown|Defensive touchdowns]]
| statvalue4     = 2
| statvalue8     = 
| pfr            = EdwaHe20
| regular_record = NFL: {{Winning percentage|54|74|record=y}}
| playoff_record = NFL: {{Winning percentage|2|4|record=y}}
| overall_record = {{plainlist|
* NFL: {{Winning percentage|56|78|record=y}}
* NCAA: {{Winning percentage|18|20|record=y}}{{#tag:ref|All wins during the 2021 season were vacated due to NCAA violations regarding recruiting.|group=lower-alpha|name=vacated}}
}}
| pfrcoach       = EdwaHe0 
}}
'''Herman Lee Edwards'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EdwaHe20.htm|title=Herm Edwards Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|accessdate=April 27, 2025}}</ref> (born April 27, 1954) is an [[American football]] coach and former player. He played [[cornerback]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]]. Edwards was also a head coach in the NFL from 2001 to 2008 with the [[New York Jets]] and [[Kansas City Chiefs]]. Following the conclusion of his NFL coaching career, Edwards was a football analyst at [[ESPN]] from 2009 to 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mortensen |first=Chris |date=January 24, 2009 |title=Chiefs fire Edwards; is Shanahan next in line? |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3855917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202070438/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3855917 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He later served as the head coach of the [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State Sun Devils]] from 2018 to 2022.

As a player, Edwards is known for scoring the game-winning [[touchdown]] off a fumble recovery in 1978's [[Miracle 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==
Edwards was born on an [[United States Army|Army]] base in [[Eatontown, New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Merrill |first1=Elizabeth |title=Coach driven by family, faith, football |url=http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/13574861.htm |access-date=January 29, 2017 |work=The Kansas City Star |date=January 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112120525/http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/13574861.htm |archive-date=January 12, 2006 |quote=Seventy-five miles from where his life started on an Army base in Eatontown, N.J., Edwards' New York minute is up. |url-status=dead }}</ref> the son of an American World War II veteran and his German wife. He graduated from [[Monterey High School (Monterey, California)|Monterey High School]] in [[Monterey, California]]. Edwards played [[college football]] at the [[California Golden Bears football|University of California, Berkeley]] in [[1972 California Golden Bears football team|1972]] and [[1974 California Golden Bears football team|1974]], at junior college [[Monterey Peninsula College]] in 1973, and at [[1975 San Diego State Aztecs football team|San 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==
In the [[National Football League]] (NFL), Edwards played nine seasons with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] from [[1977 Philadelphia Eagles season|1977]] to [[1985 Philadelphia Eagles season|1985]], making a championship appearance with the team in [[Super Bowl XV]]. His 33 career interceptions are just 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 coach [[Buddy Ryan]] in 1986. Edwards went on to play briefly for the [[1986 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] and [[1986 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] in 1986 before announcing his retirement.

The highlight of Edwards' playing career occurred in the twelfth game of the [[1978 Philadelphia Eagles season|1978 season]], in the final seconds of a game against the [[1978 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] at the [[Giants Stadium|Meadowlands]] on 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 quarterback [[Joe Pisarcik]] attempted to hand the ball off to running back [[Larry Csonka]]. However, the ball came loose and Edwards picked it up and returned it for a touchdown, enabling the Eagles to win {{nowrap|19–17.<ref name=fplnmr>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fvQhAAAAIBAJ&pg=6100%2C8133172 |work=Reading Eagle |location=(Pennsylvania) |agency=Associated Press |title=Final play nightmare |date=November 20, 1978 |page=29}}</ref><ref name=alnyny>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m0UuAAAAIBAJ&pg=4969%2C2761929 |work=Pittsburgh Press |agency=UPI |title=Alas, New York, New York |date=November 20, 1978 |page=B=6 }}</ref>}} This play became known in [[Philadelphia]] as "[[The Miracle at the Meadowlands]]" and in New York City as simply "The Fumble."<ref name=NYDailyNews>{{cite news |title=Giants' top 10 worst plays: From The Fumble to latest fiasco against Cowboys |first=Hank |last=Gola |date=September 16, 2015 |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-top-10-worst-plays-fumble-latest-fiasco-article-1.2362533}}</ref> The Eagles made the [[1978–79 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] and the Giants finished at {{nowrap|6–10.}}

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

==Coaching career==

===Early years===
After his playing career ended, Edwards became a defensive assistant at [[San Jose State Spartans football|San Jose State]] (1987–1989),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=John |date=September 18, 2022 |orig-date=September 18, 2022 |title=Arizona State fires Herm Edwards following loss to Eastern Michigan |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/2022/09/18/arizona-state-fires-herm-edwards-following-loss-eastern-michigan/10421667002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929113250/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/2022/09/18/arizona-state-fires-herm-edwards-following-loss-eastern-michigan/10421667002/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> then was an NFL scout and defensive backs coach with the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] (1990–1995), for former [[Cleveland Browns|Browns]], [[Kansas City Chiefs|Chiefs]], [[Washington Commanders|Redskins]], and [[History of the San Diego Chargers|Chargers]] coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]]. With the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] (1996–2000), he was a defensive backs/assistant head coach under [[Tony Dungy]]. On January 28, 2001, Edwards was hired as head coach of the [[New York Jets]].

===New York Jets ===
In his five years as the Jets head coach, Edwards compiled a {{nowrap|39–41}} regular season record, including a {{nowrap|5–15}} stretch during his final twenty regular season games with the club, and a {{nowrap|2–3}} record 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 in [[2001 New York Jets season|2001]], losing on the road in the first round to the [[2001 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] {{nowrap|38–24}}. In [[2002 New York Jets season|2002]], the Jets squeaked into the playoffs with a {{nowrap|9–7}} record, due to winning the tie-breakers in a three-way tie for the [[AFC East]] Division lead with the [[2002 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] and the [[2002 Miami Dolphins season|Miami 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, losing {{nowrap|30–10}} to the [[2002 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]. Following a disappointing {{nowrap|6–10}} season in [[2003 New York Jets season|2003]], the Jets reached the divisional round of the AFC playoffs once more in [[2004 New York Jets season|2004]], where they lost to the [[2004 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] {{nowrap|20–17.}} In [[2005 New York Jets season|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 {{nowrap|4–12}} record. Following the end of the season, the Jets made the highly unusual move of trading a coach—Edwards—to another team (the [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]), in exchange for a player to be chosen in round four of the [[2006 NFL draft|2006 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/herm-jet-lagged-takes-blame-new-spin-collapse-article-1.565373 | work=New York Daily News | title=Herm Jet-Lagged Takes Blame In New Spin On Collapse | date=November 16, 2004 | url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202050148/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/herm-jet-lagged-takes-blame-new-spin-collapse-article-1.565373 | archive-date=February 2, 2017 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/nfl/chiefs/story/644249-herm-edwards-a-head-coach?s=115 |title=Herm Edwards: A Head Coach?|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202105840/http://www.scout.com/nfl/chiefs/story/644249-herm-edwards-a-head-coach?s=115|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> The Jets replaced Edwards by hiring [[Eric Mangini]], a senior assistant coach with the New England Patriots.

====Departure from New York====
Following the [[2005 Kansas City Chiefs season|2005 season]], Chiefs president [[Carl Peterson]] hinted to the press about interest in hiring Edwards that could have been considered [[Tampering (sport)|tampering]]. The Jets granted permission to the Chiefs to speak with Edwards.<ref name="permission">{{cite web |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/01/06/chiefs_given_permission_to_talk_to_herm_edwards2/ |title=Chiefs given permission to talk to Herm Edwards |publisher=Kansas City Chiefs |access-date=July 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510122419/http://kcchiefs.com/news/2006/01/06/chiefs_given_permission_to_talk_to_herm_edwards2/ |archive-date=May 10, 2006 }}</ref> 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]], 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 the [[New York Jets|Jets]] a fourth-round pick in the [[2006 NFL draft]] as compensation (the Jets later used this selection to take [[Leon Washington]]).<ref name="Edwards named">{{cite web |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/01/09/herm_edwards_named_the_10th_head_coach_in_kansas_city_chiefs_history2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111201410/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/01/09/herm_edwards_named_the_10th_head_coach_in_kansas_city_chiefs_history2/|archive-date=January 11, 2009
|title=Herm Edwards named the 10th head coach in Kansas City Chiefs history|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs |access-date=July 9, 2008}}</ref>

===Kansas City Chiefs===
Edwards' regular season coaching debut with the Chiefs was a {{nowrap|23–10}} home loss to the [[2006 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] on September 10. His first win with Kansas City came in the third game of the season on October 1, a 41–0 shutout of the [[2006 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]].

The [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|2006 season]] would see many highs and lows. Starting [[quarterback]] [[Trent Green]] suffered a serious [[concussion]] 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]] and [[Pro Bowl]] running back [[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]]. In a move some considered controversial, Edwards chose to sit Huard and start Green when he returned from injury.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070108142921/http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/16359695.htm Huard shines again], ''Kansas City Star'', January 1, 2007.</ref> 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 a [[quarterback rating]] of 98.0<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214042356/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4180 |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4180 |title=ESPN – Damon Huard Stats, News, Photos |date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (2nd best rating in the NFL, second to only [[Peyton Manning]]).

Additionally, the Chiefs were {{nowrap|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 {{nowrap|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.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}

The Chiefs finished at 9–7, edging out the [[2006 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] (who lost in [[Overtime (sports)|OT]] to the [[2006 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] in the final game of the season) by divisional tiebreaker for second place in the [[AFC West]], and making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC.<ref>{{cite web |title=2006 Kansas City Chiefs Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2006_roster.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference, LLC |access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> This was their first playoff appearance since 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs Franchise Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/ |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>

On January 6, 2007, the Chiefs were soundly defeated by the [[2006 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] {{nowrap|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–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.

In [[2007 Kansas City Chiefs season|2007]], Edwards' streak of losses on opening day continued as the Chiefs lost to the [[2007 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] {{nowrap|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.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}

In the 2007 season, the Chiefs were plagued with quarterback, running back, kicker and offensive coaching controversies. [[Damon Huard]] started the season and compiled a 4–5 record. He was benched in favor of Edwards' 2006 draft choice [[Brodie 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 back [[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]] injured his foot mid-season and was replaced by [[Priest Holmes]] who came out of retirement late in the year<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 22, 2007 |title=Holmes Retires, Ending Second Stint With the Chiefs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/sports/football/22nfl.html |access-date=December 31, 2019 |work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> and was ineffective, averaging just three yards per carry and recording no touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Priest Holmes |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/priestholmes/2501222/careerstats |website=[[NFL.com]] |publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC. |access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>

Kicker [[Justin Medlock]] was Edwards' draft choice but was cut after the first game and replaced by [[Dave Rayner]]. He was cut late in the year and replaced with [[John Carney (American football)|John Carney]]. Finally, after promoting [[Mike Solari]] from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator in 2007, Edwards fired Solari and replaced him with [[Chan Gailey]] in early 2008. He also fired his offensive line coach, receivers coach, and running backs coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chiefs fire offensive coordinator, three assistant coaches |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d805ae16a/article/chiefs-fire-offensive-coordinator-three-assistant-coaches |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224004529/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d805ae16a/article/chiefs-fire-offensive-coordinator-three-assistant-coaches |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |website=[[NFL.com]] |access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref>

Chiefs owner [[Clark Hunt]] set the tone for the [[2008 Kansas City Chiefs season|2008 season]] by expressing his support for Edwards and general manager [[Carl Peterson]] and their plan to rebuild the team. However, Clark did warn that he expected the Chiefs to be competitive for a playoff spot.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}

In an attempt to rebuild the team, the Chiefs cut numerous aging veterans in the offseason, and the team traded [[Pro Bowl]] defensive end [[Jared Allen]] to the [[Minnesota 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 the [[2008 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] {{nowrap|17–10}}, a defeat mostly overshadowed by Patriots quarterback [[Tom Brady]] suffering a season-ending injury off a low hit by Chiefs safety [[Bernard Pollard]]. The team eventually skidded to a franchise record of 12 consecutive regular-season defeats. The Chiefs finally ended the streak after defeating the [[2008 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] 33–19 at home on September 28. However, they were defeated the following week at the [[2008 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina 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 the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] 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 two-point conversion attempt failed, resulting in another loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281109024|title=Chiefs vs. Chargers – Game Recap|date=November 9, 2008 |publisher=ESPN|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202070415/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281109024|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> He was fired January 23, 2009.

===ESPN===
Edwards was hired in 2009 to be an analyst for the network's ''[[NFL Live]]'' program.

===Arizona State===
[[File:Herm Edwards (48747538827).jpg|right|thumb|Edwards as [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State Sun Devils]] head coach in 2019]]
On December 3, 2017, Edwards was named the head coach of the [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] football team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonagura |first=Kyle |date=December 3, 2017 |title=ESPN's Herm Edwards hired as Arizona State coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21659559/arizona-state-sun-devils-hire-herm-edwards-coach |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Edwards earned his first win with Arizona State on September 1, 2018, against the [[2018 UTSA Roadrunners football team|UTSA Roadrunners]]. He earned his first win against a ranked opponent on September 8, 2018, against the 15th-ranked [[2018 Michigan State Spartans football team|Michigan State Spartans]]. Arizona State finished with a 7–6 record in Edwards' [[2018 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|first season]].

The [[2019 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|2019 season]] began with Edwards choosing true freshman [[Jayden Daniels]] to 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 a [[2019 Sun Bowl|Sun Bowl]] victory against the [[2019 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida 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.<ref name="t272">{{cite web  | title=NCAA investigating ASU football over potential recruiting violations | website=Arizona Sports | date=2021-06-16 | url=https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/ncaa-investigating-asu-football-over-potential-recruiting-violations/2691323/ | access-date=2025-02-17}}</ref> Throughout the course of the [[2021 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|2021 season]], multiple assistant coaches were placed on administrative leave. After the 2021 season had ended, multiple coaches including [[Zak Hill]] and [[Antonio Pierce]] resigned.<ref name="i045">{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Jake | title=Timeline: ASU football fallout amid investigation into recruiting violations | website=Arizona Sports | date=2022-02-03 | url=https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/timeline-asu-football-fallout-amid-investigation-into-recruiting-violations/2996966/ | access-date=2025-02-17}}</ref> 17 players including quarterback [[Jayden Daniels]], wide receiver [[Johnny Wilson (wide receiver)|Johnny Wilson]], and All-American linebacker [[Eric Gentry]], entered the transfer portal as a result of the investigation and [[Name, image and likeness|NIL]].<ref name="b522">{{cite web | last=Rice | first=Wills | title=A look at Arizona State football's transfer portal exodus | website=Arizona Sports | date=2022-05-20 | url=https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/look-at-arizona-state-footballs-transfer-portal-exodus/3127767/ | access-date=2025-02-17}}</ref> 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 the [[2022 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team|Eastern Michigan Eagles]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Michelle |date=September 18, 2022 |title=Herm Edwards out as Arizona State Sun Devils football coach |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2022/09/18/herm-edwards-out-arizona-state-sun-devils-football-coach/10420580002/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |work=[[Arizona Republic]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

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 ====
In 2021, reports surfaced about potential recruiting violations under Edwards' during the [[COVID-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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Salerno |first=Cameron |date=2024-04-24 |title=Former Arizona State coach Herm Edwards receives five-year show-cause penalty for NCAA recruiting violations |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/former-arizona-state-coach-herm-edwards-receives-five-year-show-cause-penalty-for-ncaa-recruiting-violations/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref>

=="Hermisms"==
{{Wikiquote|Herm 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==
Edwards was born in [[Fort Monmouth, New Jersey]]. Edwards is the son of [[Master Sergeant]] Herman Edwards Sr., and his wife, Martha. Edwards grew up in [[Seaside, California]] and attended [[Monterey High School (Monterey, California)|Monterey High School]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carmelmagazine.com/archive/06hol/edwards.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107041548/http://www.carmelmagazine.com/archive/06hol/edwards.html|archive-date=January 7, 2007|title=Mother-In-Chief|author=Ryan Masters|publisher=Carmel Magazine|access-date=January 22, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Edwards graduated from [[San Diego State University]] with 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Crouse|first1=Karen|title=Edwards Keeps Cool With Baby on Way |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/11/sports/football/edwards-keeps-cool-with-baby-on-way.html?_r=0|access-date=January 29, 2017|work=The New York Times |date=August 11, 2005}}</ref>

Edwards has a "tradition" of not watching the [[Super Bowl]] until he himself participates in one.<ref name="Edwards enjoys">[http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16630794.htm Edwards enjoys quiet Super sunday]{{dead link|date=January 2017}} ''Kansas City Star'', February 6, 2007.</ref> Edwards did not even watch his friends [[Tony Dungy]] and [[Lovie Smith]] participate in [[Super Bowl XLI]].<ref name="Edwards enjoys"/> Dungy had a tradition much like what Edwards does, that is, with the exceptions of Dungy's victories in both [[Super Bowl]]s [[Super Bowl XIII|XIII]] and [[Super Bowl XLI|XLI]].<ref name="Edwards enjoys"/> Edwards broke that tradition when, to serve in his capacity as an analyst for [[ESPN]], he watched [[Super Bowl XLIV]] in 2010.

Edwards has a strict workout regimen that has him in the gym at 5:00 AM six days a week.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112439112018116857|url-access=subscription |title=Jets Coach Sticks to an Intense Routine|author=Jen Murphy|publisher=Wall Street Journal Online|date=August 24, 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202234053/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112439112018116857|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> 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 raised [[Baptist]], but converted with his family and is now a practicing [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Katie Lefebvre|date=October 30, 2014|title=Live Your Life by Faith ESPN analyst tells Catholic Group|publisher=Catholic News Service|url=https://thedialog.org/featured/live-your-life-by-faith-former-nfl-coach-tells-catholic-group/|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713222307/https://thedialog.org/featured/live-your-life-by-faith-former-nfl-coach-tells-catholic-group/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Sun Devils coach Herm Edwards is Catholic, says he doesn't like devils|url=https://www.12news.com/article/sports/college/asu/new-sun-devils-coach-herm-edwards-is-catholic-says-he-doesnt-like-devils/75-496814376|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=12news.com|date=December 4, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Edwards appeared in the 2012 episode ''Broke'', about the high rates of bankruptcy and poor financial decisions amongst professional athletes, part of [[ESPN]]'s ''[[30 for 30]]'' series of sports documentaries. In 2013, Edwards served as a head coach in the [[NFLPA Collegiate Bowl]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Finley|first=Ryan|url=http://azstarnet.com/sports/blogs/finley/arizona-wildcats-football-tutogi-and-quinn-accept-invites-to-nflpa/article_32cc76e2-59ce-11e2-abab-001a4bcf887a.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110005611/http://azstarnet.com/sports/blogs/finley/arizona-wildcats-football-tutogi-and-quinn-accept-invites-to-nflpa/article_32cc76e2-59ce-11e2-abab-001a4bcf887a.html|archive-date=January 10, 2013|title=Arizona Wildcats football: Tutogi and Quinn accept invites to NFLPA Bowl |newspaper=[[Arizona Daily Star]]|date=January 8, 2013|access-date=January 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Herm was named senior adviser to the proposed [[Major League Football (MLFB)|Major League Football]] in 2015.

==Head-coaching record==

===NFL===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="5"|Regular season !! colspan="4"|Postseason
|-
!Won!!Lost!!Ties!!Win %!!Finish!! Won !! Lost !! Win % !! Result
|- style="background:#fdd;"
![[2001 New York Jets season|NYJ]]||2001
||10||6||0||.625||'''3rd in AFC East'''|| 0 || 1 || .000 || <Small>'''Lost to [[Oakland Raiders]] in [[2001–02 NFL playoffs|AFC Wild Card game]]'''</Small>
|- style="background:#fdd;"
![[2002 New York Jets season|NYJ]]||2002
||9||7||0||.562||'''1st in AFC East'''|| 1 || 1 || .500 || <Small>'''Lost to [[Oakland Raiders]] in [[2002–03 NFL playoffs|AFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|-
![[2003 New York Jets season|NYJ]]||2003
||6||10||0||.375||4th in AFC East|| – || – || – || –
|- style="background:#fdd;"
![[2004 New York Jets season|NYJ]]||2004
||10||6||0||.625||'''2nd in AFC East'''|| 1 || 1 || .500 || <Small>'''Lost to [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] in [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|AFC Divisional Game]]'''</Small>
|-
![[2005 New York Jets season|NYJ]]||2005
||4||12||0||.250||4th in AFC East|| – || – || – || –
|-
! colspan="2"|NYJ Total||39||41||0||.487||||2||3||.400||
|- style="background:#fdd;"
![[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]||2006
||9||7||0||.562||'''2nd in AFC West'''|| 0 || 1 || .000 || <Small>'''Lost to [[Indianapolis Colts]] in [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|AFC Wild Card Game]]'''</Small>
|-
![[2007 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]||2007
||4||12||0||.250||3rd in AFC West|| – || – || – || –
|-
![[2008 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]||2008
||2||14||0||.125||4th in AFC West|| – || – || – || –
|-
! colspan="2"|KC Total||15||33||0||.313||||0||1||.000||
|-
! colspan="2"|Total<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/EdwaHe0.htm|title=Herm Edwards Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks – Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217024310/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/EdwaHe0.htm|archive-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref>||54||74||0||.422||||2||4||.333||
|}

===College===
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
 | name      = [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State Sun Devils]]
 | conf      = [[Pac-12 Conference]]
 | startyear = 2018
 | endyear   = 2022
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
 | championship = 
 | year         = [[2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2018]]
 | name         = [[2018 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
 | overall      = 7–6
 | conference   = 5–4
 | confstanding = 2nd <small>(South)</small>
 | bowlname     = [[2018 Las Vegas Bowl|Las Vegas]]
 | bowloutcome  = L
 | bcsbowl      = 
 | ranking      = no
 | ranking2     = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
 | championship = 
 | year         = [[2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2019]]
 | name         = [[2019 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
 | overall      = 8–5
 | conference   = 4–5
 | confstanding = T–3rd <small>(South)</small>
 | bowlname     = [[2019 Sun Bowl|Sun]]
 | bowloutcome  = W
 | bcsbowl      = 
 | ranking      = no
 | ranking2     = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
 | championship = 
 | year         = [[2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2020]]
 | name         = [[2020 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
 | overall      = 2–2
 | conference   = 2–2
 | confstanding = 4th <small>(South)</small>
 | bowlname     = 
 | bowloutcome  = 
 | bcsbowl      = 
 | ranking      = no
 | ranking2     = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
 | championship = 
 | year         = [[2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2021]]
 | name         = [[2021 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
 | overall      = 0–5{{efn|group=record|All 8 wins vacated due to NCAA violations}}
 | conference   = 0–3
 | confstanding = T–2nd <small>(South)</small>
 | bowlname     = [[2021 Las Vegas Bowl|Las Vegas]]
 | bowloutcome  = L
 | bcsbowl      = 
 | ranking      = no
 | ranking2     = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
 | championship = 
 | year         = [[2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2022]]
 | name         = [[2022 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
 | overall      = 1–2{{efn|group=record|Edwards was fired after three games.}}
 | conference   = 0–0
 | confstanding = 
 | bowlname     =
 | bowloutcome  =
 | bcsbowl      = 
 | ranking      = no
 | ranking2     = no
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
 | name       = Arizona State
 | overall    = 18–20
 | confrecord = 11–14
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record End
 | overall  = 18–20
 | bowls    = no
 | poll     = no
 | polltype = 
 | legend   = no
}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://thesundevils.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/herm-edwards/3075 Arizona State profile]
* {{Footballstats |nfl=herman-edwards |espn= |cbs= |yahoo= |si= |pfr=E/EdwaHe20 |rotoworld=}}
* {{IMDb name|1822147}}

{{Navboxes
| list =
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{{Arizona State Sun Devils football coach navbox}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Edwards, Herman}}
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