Dec 4, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils vice president of athletics Ray Anderson, left, introduces the new head football coach Herman Edwards at Sun Devil Stadium. Photo Credit: Tom Tingle/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
New Arizona State football coach Herman Edwards displayed the passion for which he is known on Monday during his introductory press conference.
Arizona State made it official and hired Edwards as its 24th head coach on Sunday night.
While Edwards hasn’t coached since being fired by the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2008 season, the 63-year-old showed he had plenty of fire on Monday.
“Turn the TV on Wednesday. I’ll be back in studio in Bristol (at ESPN), and I’ll be coaching football by the way,” Edwards said. “That’s what I do. I coach football. And I have been coaching football my whole life.”
Edwards said his last day at ESPN will be Friday, and then he will be back working for Arizona State and recruiting.
“When you sign on to do something, you finish,” he said. “You don’t tap out. I’m going to finish my work week and then I’ll be here Saturday night.”
Edwards quoted former ASU star linebacker Pat Tillman, citing his passion for the game, as why he’s ready to return to a more active role in the game.
“Football ignites my soul,” Edwards said. “It’s what makes me go. This is what I do. I’ve done this my whole life.”
Edwards also referenced his former coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil, noting how he still demonstrated the willingness to coach long after he transitioned into the broadcast booth.
“You don’t forget how to coach,” Edwards said. “They’re not bringing me here to play. I can’t play, although I’ll tell you I got one hit left.”
Edwards has been a studio commentator for ESPN since his last coaching job with the Chiefs from 2006-08. He also was the coach of the New York Jets from 2001-05.
As an NFL head coach, Edwards owns a 54-74 regular-season record. He was 39-41 with the Jets, who reached the playoffs three times in his tenure.
Edwards succeeds Todd Graham, who was dismissed by the university on Nov. 26. Graham was 46-31 in six seasons for Arizona State. He went 18-19 in the final three seasons but guided the school to a bowl game for the fifth time in sixth seasons this year. Graham is expected to coach Arizona State in the Sun Bowl against North Carolina State.
Edwards’ only college coaching experience was from 1987-1989, when he was the defensive backs coach at San Jose State.
Edwards spent 10 seasons (1977-86) in the NFL as a cornerback, the first nine with the Philadelphia Eagles. He split time with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams in his final season.
